The energy policy of the Republic of Senegal: Evaluation and Perspectives

In 2014, Senegal adopted an accelerated economic development plan called the “Plan Sénégal Emergent” (PSE), or Emerging Senegal Plan (ESP), which rightly relies on the development of the energy sector, among others. The country's energy policy has therefore been revised, in agreement with the ESP, to define a clear vision, with specific objectives and a well-developed strategy. However, its energy consumption was only 0.27 toe, including 230 kWh of electricity, and generated 0.54 tCO2 per capita in 2016. These figures are obviously low and symptomatic of a low-energy economy, characteristic of a developing country. Nevertheless, Senegal's energy consumption has been growing rapidly at + 3.6% / year on average, since 2000, due to the combined effects of economic and demographic growths. In addition, significant offshore oil and gas reserves have recently been discovered in the country, which first production is expected to start in 2021. All of these elements raise a fundamental question: how can a developing country like Senegal, deprived of natural resources since always, succeed in supporting its economic emergence through an ambitious and low-emission energy policy while exploiting its new oil and gas resources? The purpose of this study is therefore to analyze the relevance of Senegal's current energy policy with regards to its ambitions for economic emergence and vis-à-vis the main challenges facing the country like energy independence and security of supply in the face of growing demand, universal access to affordable electricity, and climate change. To do this, the study was divided into 3 parts. The first presents an overview of the country, including its macroeconomic fundamentals. The second details its energy policy, including its objectives, the strategies deployed, and the institutional and regulatory frameworks that underpin it. The third is a detailed critical analysis of this policy, starting with an evaluation of the results and ending with suggestions for improvement