Endeavor Energy, a power development and generation company backed by global PE firm Denham Capital, has significantly advanced the Songon Power Project in Côte d’Ivoire it is developing with local independent power producer Starenergie 2073.

Sean Long, CEO of Endeavor, said: “Côte d’Ivoire under the leadership of President Ouattara is doing exceptionally well and has created a very attractive investment climate for private investment.”

“We are extremely excited about the Songon Project, which will add much needed generation capacity to the country’s IPP thermal fleet as well as provide reliable fuel supply for the project,” he said.

The Songon Power Project is a multi-phase combined cycle power generation project with an integrated fuel solution featuring a purpose-built liquefied natural gas (LNG) import infrastructure and a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). First phase will be 375 MW.

Endeavor entered into a joint development agreement with Starenergie 2073 and its shareholders last year, wherein Endeavor controls a majority interest in Starenergie 2073 and is leading the development of the project.

Since then, the company and its partners have significantly advanced the project with the site secured; local environmental approvals obtained and advanced discussions underway with the Government of Cote d’Ivoire on the importation of LNG for the project.

The environmental and social impact assessment for the power plant has been approved.

Endeavor has initiated the environmental assessment for the transmission line and LNG infrastructure which will be completed by the second quarter of this year.

Endeavor will issue a request for proposals to supply engineering, procurement and construction for the project before the end of the first quarter of this year.

The company is supported by US government lead “Power Africa” in its efforts to complete the Songon Power Project.

Endeavor forecasts a financial close of the Songon project by the end of the third quarter of this year and intends to begin pre-construction work on the site by the end of the second quarter 2016.

It will further provide construction management, fuel management, and commercial management services for the project.

Amadou Ba, Managing Director at Endeavor Energy, said: “While Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to bolster its power generation capacity have made it a leader amongst its Sub-Saharan African peers, we understand that the country needs projects like Songon which will utilize an environmentally friendly energy source to maintain this position and help further propel its rapidly growing economy.”