Senelec strengthens and modernises the management of its transmission infrastructure with our support
As Senegal’s electricity transmission network continues to expand at a rapid pace, the national utility Senelec is seeking a more structured, modern and efficient approach to ensure the reliability and performance of its transmission assets. The growth of the network requires substantial adaptation in operating practices, system supervision and maintenance methods, alongside the integration of advanced technologies for overhead, underground and submarine transmission assets. Within this context, RTE international is delivering a major programme to reinforce Senelec’s capabilities, methodologies and equipment as part of the MCA Senegal II Compact.
USD 600 Million to modernise and secure Senegal’s power grid
This cooperation programme, agreed between the United States of America (through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, MCC), the Millennium Challenge Account – Senegal II (MCA-Sénégal II) and the Government of Senegal, represents a total investment of USD 600 million. Its ambition is to bring lasting transformation to the Senegalese electricity sector through three pillars:
- Transmission: strengthening the transmission network
- Access: expanding access to electricity
- Reform: improving governance and sector performance
The project led by RTE international’s Asset Management and CMMS team forms part of the Reform pillar, dedicated to enhancing the institutional framework, improving network performance and building the skills of Senelec professionals.
Since late 2023, RTE International has been supporting Senelec through a comprehensive programme aimed at:
- Strengthening capabilities for managing the electricity transmission infrastructure,
- Providing, training and deploying advanced maintenance tools and methods,
- Defining and overseeing the evolution of information systems,
- Designing strategic workforce and skills planning,
- Developing a Competency Development Plan and training paths for Senelec’s Training Centre.
CMMS, Asset Management and Skills Development
The project led by RTE international —deployed in close coordination with Senelec’s executive leadership, Transmission Division, IT Department, HR Division and others—is structured around several interconnected workstreams, each contributing directly to improving Senelec’s operational performance.
The adaptation of the asset management framework for the transmission network provides a structured and consistent view of all infrastructure, an essential foundation for rigorous investment planning and effective prioritisation of interventions.
The development of new maintenance policies for overhead, underground and submarine assets strengthens network reliability by defining operating procedures suited to the diversity of equipment and environmental conditions.
In parallel, the introduction of advanced maintenance techniques—including drone inspections using thermal imaging, and helicopter-based activities—improves inspection quality, accelerates fault detection and enhances worker safety.
The modernisation of information systems, including digitalisation initiatives (digital twin, advanced planning and work tracking, workforce management, procurement and inventory tools), enables better-informed, cross-functional and coordinated management of the transmission infrastructure. The upgrade of the CMMS and deployment of a mobile solution are concrete examples of this transformation.
The skills dimension is addressed through the launch of strategic workforce and skills planning and a new Competency Development Plan, together with the creation of updated training pathways in partnership with the Centre for Professional Training and Development (CFPP). This ensures that Senelec’s workforce keeps pace with emerging technologies and is fully prepared for the future of grid operation and maintenance.
RTE international: comprehensive expertise to support Senelec
RTE international’s commitment in Senegal extends well beyond asset management and maintenance. The company is also involved in several other initiatives, including support for drafting regulatory frameworks and procedures, the establishment of a one-stop shop for connection requests, and the technical supervision of the installation and connection of a new submarine cable designed to reinforce Dakar’s electricity supply.
