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Tobène Power Plant
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The Tobène Power Plant, located near Taïba Ndiaye in the Thiès region, serves as a vital pillar of Senegal's national power grid. Commissioned in 2016, the facility is operated by Melecpowergen (MPG). Originally designed with a capacity of 96 megawatts, the plant was later expanded to 115 megawatts to meet the country's rapidly increasing electricity demand. The plant currently runs on heavy fuel oil, but it is engineered to be converted to natural gas once domestic gas reserves are fully online. Financing for the project was provided by international institutions like the IFC alongside local banking partners. As part of the Plan Sénégal Émergent, Tobène plays a critical role in stabilizing the national grid and reducing the frequency of power outages in Dakar and neighboring urban areas.
- Location: Senegal
- Nearby: Thiès (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 9 | 21 | 9 | 2 | 17 | 89 | 176 | 150 | 42 | 8 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Tobène power plant is an independent power project that runs on heavy fuel oil and supports the stability of the Senegalese electricity grid. It supplies the region with reliable electricity and contributes to economic development by compensating for production shortfalls.
Visiting
The power plant is an industrial facility and not accessible to visitors for security reasons. From the nearby main road one can see the cooling towers and the external infrastructure of the site.
Where to view it
The best place to see the power plant is the N2 national road, which passes near the site. From a small hill opposite the facility one gets a good overview of the boiler houses and chimneys.
Local products
No direct consumer products are made here; the only 'commodity' is electrical energy. In the surrounding villages, however, agricultural products such as peanuts, millet and vegetables are grown, benefiting from the stable power supply.
Active season
The power plant operates year-round to ensure a constant baseload supply. Especially during the dry season from November to May, when hydropower plants generate less electricity, the heavy fuel oil plant's utilization increases.
Nearby
A visit to the power plant can be combined with a trip to the nearby city of Thiès, known for its tapestries and railway hub. Also a detour to the Bandia Nature Reserve or the beaches of Saly is recommended.
Geography
Facts
- The current total installed capacity is 115 MW.
- The power plant was officially inaugurated in March 2016.
- The facility is operated by Melecpowergen (MPG).
- The plant is dual-fuel capable, ready for natural gas transition.
- The project cost approximately 123 million euros to develop.
- It is located in the vicinity of the village of Taïba Ndiaye.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Tobène Power Plant (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tobène power plant?
A thermal power plant that contributes to securing the nationwide electricity supply.
Is the power plant relevant for tourism?
No, it is purely industrial infrastructure and not designed for visits.
Why is the energy supply so important here?
The growing industry needs a stable power supply to be economically successful.
What is there to see in the surroundings?
There are small, rural settlements and the typical arid landscape of the hinterland.
What is important when traveling in this area?
One should be open to the local culture and treat the local conditions with respect.
Tobène Power Plant: where is it located?
Tobène Power Plant is located in Senegal.
Tobène Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Tobène Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Tobène Power Plant, located near Taïba Ndiaye in the Thiès region, serves as a vital pillar of Senegal's national power grid.
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Nearby cities
Thiès
An important transport hub and industrial center known for its tapestry production and historic railway lines.
Mbour
A bustling fishing port on the Petite Côte, famous for its vibrant daily fish market and authentic local atmosphere.
Saly
Senegal's premier seaside resort on the Petite Côte, known for palm-lined beaches and luxury resorts.
Lompoul Desert
A captivating area of high, orange sand dunes offering an authentic desert experience in the heart of Senegal.
History & landmarks
Great Mosque of Tivaouane
The most important religious center of the Tijaniyyah order in Senegal, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually at the Maouloud festival.
Keur Moussa Abbey
A Benedictine monastery in the Thiès region, famous for its spiritual chants blending African instruments with Gregorian chant.
Bandia Reserve
A privately owned nature reserve offering an exciting safari experience with many of Africa's iconic large animals.
Basilica of Popenguine
An important Catholic sanctuary in Popenguine, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the country each year.
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Thiès poultry farm
A significant poultry farm that provides fresh eggs for the region.
Thiès Forest
A protected forest area in the Thiès region.
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Thiès Plateau
A prominent plateau near the coast that dominates the hinterland.
Historic Railway Hub of Thiès
A major center of historical rail transport and the site of a famous railway workers' strike.
Taiba Ndiaye Wind Farm
The wind farm in Taiba Ndiaye is the largest wind energy project in West Africa.
Monkey Park
A small protected area where you can observe monkeys in their natural environment.
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Dangote Cement Factory Pout
The Dangote cement factory in Pout is part of Senegal's expanding construction sector.
Darou Khoudoss Phosphate Plant
The Industries Chimiques du Sénégal operates a large phosphate plant here.