The facility aims to supply reliable power for gold-mining activities.
The captive power plant will operate with six Wärtsilä 32 engines of 2.7MW each, supported by four high-speed diesel generators of 1.5MW each. The facility is designed to provide stable and efficient electricity for mining operations in this remote, off-grid location, reinforcing Senegal’s mining and energy development.
The plant features a customised optimisation plan aligned with Senegal’s National Plan Sénégal Émergent. Wärtsilä confirmed that the agreement was included in its second quarter 2025 order intake. Under the contract, Wärtsilä will handle full operation and maintenance of the engines, supported by AI-powered anomaly detection and remote monitoring systems. These measures aim to improve efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and reduce downtime.
Senegalese regulations require mining operators in remote areas to manage their own power generation capacity, making reliable solutions a critical factor in sustaining industrial activities. This partnership addresses that requirement while supporting regional energy needs.
Managem Group’s chief international operations officer, Driss Mounji, highlighted the importance of the project: “This partnership is a major step forward for our operations in Senegal. Wärtsilä’s tailored approach and advanced digital solutions provide us with the confidence to produce gold more reliably and efficiently, while also laying the foundation for future renewable integration.”
Marc Thiriet, Wärtsilä Energy Africa’s energy business director, underlined the company’s role in supporting local industry: “Supporting Managem Group on their first self-owned power plant reflects our commitment to delivering resilient, cost-efficient energy to Africa’s mining sector. This project demonstrates Wärtsilä’s deep understanding of Senegal’s energy landscape and our ability to operate in alignment with the country’s industrial growth and energy independence goals. Wärtsilä’s flexible engine technology allows for future integration of solar energy, supporting Senegal’s broader push toward renewable energy and sustainable industrialisation.”
Beyond its immediate role in powering gold-mining activities, the project is also expected to create employment opportunities for local personnel in the Kédougou region, contributing to regional economic development.
The agreement represents Wärtsilä’s growing engagement in Africa’s mining and energy sectors, combining technical expertise with digital solutions to deliver reliable power in challenging environments.
