- Wärtsilä has signed a three-year Guaranteed Asset Performance (GAP) agreement with Société Mauritanienne d’Electricité (SOMELEC) covering the utility’s 34 MW balancing power plant in Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s economic hub.
- The deal, booked in Q3 2025, marks a significant expansion from a previous technical advisory contract to a full performance-based service model.
The Nouadhibou facility, equipped with two Wärtsilä 32 and two Wärtsilä 46 engines, plays a critical role in stabilising electricity supply for both the city and the wider national grid. By deepening the scope of services, SOMELEC aims to strengthen system reliability and improve long-term operational performance.
Under the GAP agreement, Wärtsilä will deliver comprehensive lifecycle services, including:
- On-site operational support through three technical advisors and a storekeeper, complemented by remote monitoring from Wärtsilä’s Expertise Centre
- Unplanned maintenance
- Major engine overhauls at 12,000-hour intervals
- Supply of spare parts covering engines, auxiliary systems, and critical safety components
“Ensuring reliable electricity supply is essential for Mauritania’s growth. By expanding our partnership with Wärtsilä at our power plant in Nouadhibou, we are strengthening the stability of the national grid and ensuring both long-term operational excellence and the plant’s future performance,” said M. Khroumbali Lehbib, Director General of SOMELEC.
The shift from advisory support to a performance-based model aligns with Wärtsilä’s broader strategy to deliver added value through tailored lifecycle solutions across Africa’s power sector.
“This renewal and expansion to a Guaranteed Asset Performance Agreement is a clear vote of confidence from SOMELEC in our lifecycle expertise,” said Patrick Borstner, Director of Operations Africa at Wärtsilä Energy. “It’s a strong example of how deeper, integrated services can enhance the reliability and efficiency of vital power infrastructure.”
The agreement further cements the long-standing partnership between SOMELEC and Wärtsilä, reflecting the growing importance of lifecycle service models in improving grid stability across the region.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
