The plant will initially operate with heavy fuel oil (HFO) but there is an option to convert to gas-fuelled operation as soon as a gas supply becomes available. Currently, there is an inter-governmental cooperation agreement between Senegal and Mauritania to develop significant gas resources, which will be shared by the two African countries. The power plant is expected to help Senegal bring down energy costs and integrate more renewable energy. Wärtsilä is Senegal's leading provider of power generating equipment, and already has 543 MW of installed capacity in altogether 20 power plants in the country. With the Malicounda Melec power plant included, 458 MW of this capacity is under Wärtsilä long-term service agreements.