Senegal signs deal with Nebras and Mitsui for LNG terminal

DAKAR (Reuters) - Senegal power utility Senelec on Wednesday signed a preliminary agreement with Qatar's Nebras Power and Japanese firm Mitsui & Co Ltd to build a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal and a 400-megawatt power station. Senegal, which generates much of its power by burning expensive fuel oil, has been hit hard by high fuel prices in recent years and is seeking to introduce LNG into its energy mix. "The objective of the Senegalese government is to boost the country’s growth by a steady power supply at a competitive cost," Senelec said in a statement following the signing of the memorandum of understanding in the capital Dakar. Nebras is 60 percent controlled by Qatar Electricity and Water Company, 20 percent by Qatar Holding and 20 percent by Qatar Petroleum International. Mitsui & Co is a diversified trading company with operations including upstream development, logistics and trading of oil, natural gas, LNG, coal and uranium.