Senegal discovered oil and gas a decade ago and it is increasingly carving its place as a continental leader in Africa’s energy transition. Along its long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, the country is seeking to unshackle itself from the chains of energy poverty through harnessing the strong and consistent winds to generate wind power. This builds on Morocco’s progress in offshore wind, signalling a slow but steady continental shift towards offshore wind energy as a driver of economic growth and competitiveness.
The World Bank estimates Senegal’s offshore wind potential to be at 45 GW, with 32 GW floating (deep waters, appropriate for floating turbines) and 13 GW bottom fixed i.e. in shallow waters suitable for fixed turbines, all within 200km of the coastline. This potential could be the solution to addressing a growing energy demand in Senegal and the realisation of its economic aspirations dubbed Plan Sénégal Émergent which also includes the achievement of universal electricity access by 2025. Tapping into offshore wind would complement Senegal’s solar energy, which is approximately 226 MW solar and 158.7MW onshore wind currently at its Taiba N’Diaye Wind Farm.
“Africa has world-class wind potential and that wind can play an important role in bringing clean, affordable electricity to millions on the continent,” said Linda Munyengeterwa, IFC’s Infrastructure Director for Middle East and Africa in a press statement after the release of a study that shows the potential of Africa’s onshore wind energy.
A recently released report, “Africa’s Offshore Wind Opportunity: Powering Energy Transition and Economic Competitiveness”, shows that the continent has great offshore wind energy potential, but this remains largely untapped. For Senegal, offshore wind presents an opportunity to reduce its overreliance on imported fossil fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG). This aligns with the country’s goal to end gas imports by 2026.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko noted that this initiative would potentially save Senegal an annual expenditure of an estimated 140 billion CFA francs (USD248.19 million). This development marks a significant development towards energy autonomy, with offshore wind presenting an opportunity to power the country’s manufacturing sector, which accounts for 14 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Partnerships to increase renewable energy share
Through the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (PANER), Senegal intends to increase the proportion of renewable energy in the country’s electricity mix from 10 percent in 2010, to 20 percent in 2020 and a further 23 percent in 2030. To realise this, the country is tapping into partnerships that include, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which launched two solar power plants in 2021 in Kael and Kahone. These plants provide clean power and avoids 89,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually for approximately 540,000 people.
Additionally, the collaboration with the European Union (EU) through the Global Gateway Forum is set to benefit from a EURO 355 million (USD 414 million) project covering sustainable and smart mobility for Dakar’s public transport system. The project further seeks to value add through promotion of decent jobs and professionalization in the sector; as well as EURO 15 million (USD 17.5 million) for cleanup and improvement of the marine ecosystem at Hann Bay. With the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Senegal is working to strengthen and build capacity for planning and integration of renewable energy into the country’s energy sector.
Building on this partnership’s initiative, the West African nation is also seeking to boost its financing for clean energy. It is exploring solutions such as blue bonds and climate finance mechanisms under the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, targeting investors to finance offshore wind power as part of achieving both energy security and economic prosperity.
This year, Senelec, the country’s electricity operator, launched its bond issue which raised 120 billion CFA francs (USD 214 million) to support green initiatives and infrastructure expansion. This aligns with the African Union (AU) Blue Economy Strategy Thematic Area 4, which seeks to increase reliable, affordable and modern energy. Achieving this objective includes among others, tapping into Africa’s offshore wind capacity.
Across Africa, the African Natural Resources Centre (ANRC) highlights six offshore energy hotspots, with the potential to generate 11,000 TWh/year, which is about 15 times Africa’s annual electricity demand – presenting an opportunity for the rest of the continent to adopt Senegal’s offshore wind path.
At a regional level, Senegal’s capital, Dakar, is also aiming to build strong public-private partnerships (PPP) and power pools such as the West African Power Pool (WAPP). The World Bank estimates that WAPP, which brings together 14 countries in the region, presents economic benefits of an estimated USD 5 -8 billion per year as a result of lower generation and operation costs.
An economic goal, a development goal too
Senegal’s shift towards exploring offshore wind is not only an environmental move but also a socio-economic one. The emerging industry promises new jobs, technical skills and the growth of local enterprise among coastal communities. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) estimates that a 500 MW offshore wind project would result in about 17.29 jobs per megawatt over a 25-year lifetime of the project, with job skills ranging from technical to professional. Considering Senegal’s offshore wind capacity, this would translate to the creation of approximately 780,000 jobs.
At a regional level, the country’s long coastline presents a collaboration opportunity between Senegal and its neighbours, Gambia and Cape Verde on energy sharing and marine planning, particularly under the Abidjan Convention framework. These efforts will contribute significantly to Senegal’s just energy transition partnership with the European Union, supporting inclusive and resilient development, creating sustainable jobs and economic prosperity.
Senegal’s offshore wind investment marks a new chapter for the country and region, eradicating energy poverty and strengthening West Africa’s sovereignty. With its growing energy infrastructure, one can argue that it is poised to become an anchor-state for offshore wind development within the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region.
By building on the successes of Morocco, Senegal can bridge North and West Africa, expanding clean energy access and independence. This approach advances renewable energy innovation while strengthening the role of the blue economy in sustainable development at a national, regional and continental level. Through the above, Senegal, develops itself and above all, shows that renewable energy is a viable enterprise.
