Senegal pledges to use its oil and gas resources to guarantee access to energy for all

Senegal has reaffirmed its commitment to fully exploiting its hydrocarbon resources to guarantee universal access to energy for its population, announced Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, at a symposium on energy transition in Africa. The event, entitled "Quelle transition énergétique pour un développement durable de l'Afrique", was held in Dakar and brought together experts and decision-makers to discuss the continent's challenges and prospects in terms of sustainable energy.

The Minister pointed out that, with this in mind, Senegal has no plans to export its oil and gas resources in raw form. On the contrary, the country intends to use these resources to support national development, with an ambitious target of 40% renewable energies in its energy mix by 2030. This strategy aims to increase access to clean energy, while promoting sustainable economic development.

Since Senegal became an oil-producing country last June, the new authorities have made access to electricity a national priority. Natural gas will be used to replace heavy fuel oil in electricity generation, a strategic choice designed to reduce costs while improving energy availability.

Birame Souleye Diop also sent a clear message to financial partners and Western countries: "Senegal will make full use of its oil and gas resources to guarantee access to energy for all." This statement is in line with the Senegalese authorities' determination to pursue a fair energy transition, while promoting the country's energy sovereignty.

As a pioneer in energy transition on the African continent behind South Africa, Senegal aims to increase the share of renewable energies in its energy mix by 10% by 2030. This plan, based on a partnership with the international community, aims to boost the use of renewable energies, while maximizing the benefits of newly-discovered gas resources.

"We have opted for responsible exploitation of our natural gas resources and energy development based on sustainability and self-sufficiency. This is the only way to guarantee the energy sovereignty we aspire to," concluded Mr. Birame Souleye Diop.