GE Vernova's 9E Gas Turbine to Power 372 MW Songon Plant in Côte d'Ivoire

GE Vernova has secured an order to supply gas power technology for the new Songon combined-cycle power plant near Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, marking a significant capacity addition for one of West Africa's fastest-growing power markets.¹

Developed by Songon Energies S.A., an Ivorian development investment company focused on energy infrastructure, the plant will be built by EPC contractor China Energy International Engineering Co., Ltd. and is expected to reach commercial operation in 2029.¹ The order was booked in the third quarter of 2026.¹

What Technology Is GE Vernova Supplying for the Songon Plant?

GE Vernova will supply a 9E gas turbine and generator for the combined-cycle facility. The 9E is a heavy-duty industrial gas turbine well established in emerging markets for its reliability, fuel flexibility, and maintainability — characteristics that are particularly relevant in regions where grid stability and service infrastructure remain critical considerations.

The Songon plant is designed to deliver 372 MW of installed capacity, a figure the press release equates to the power needs of approximately 5 million Ivorian households.¹ Upon its projected 2029 operational launch, the facility is expected to represent up to 12 percent of Côte d'Ivoire's total installed generation base.¹

Beyond the turbine island, GE Vernova will also provide high-voltage substation equipment, digital software, and long-term service contracts — a scope of supply that reflects the company's broader strategy of integrating generation hardware with grid-level digital and transmission solutions.¹

Why Is This Project Significant for West Africa's Power Sector?

Côte d'Ivoire has made notable strides in electrification, reaching a national electrification rate of 94.3 percent by 2024 through its "Electricity for All Program" (PEPT), with a stated national target of universal electrification by 2030.¹ However, electricity demand in the country is growing at an annual rate of 10 to 15 percent, driven by industrial expansion and urbanization concentrated in the Greater Abidjan metropolitan area.¹ Rural access gaps also persist, compounding the supply challenge.

The Songon project is positioned to directly address near-term capacity shortfalls in the Abidjan region. The country also serves as a power exporter within the West African Power Pool (WAPP), making incremental domestic generation capacity relevant to regional grid stability as well.²

Financing agreements for the project were signed in June 2026.¹

What Are the Broader Economic and Community Impacts?

Infrastructure development associated with the Songon plant is expected to generate up to 1,400 new jobs, according to GE Vernova.¹ Project stakeholders have framed the facility as foundational to the growth of industrial zones and small and medium-sized enterprises in Greater Abidjan.

"The facility is expected to ease energy pressure on the Abidjan metropolitan area, providing a reliable foundation for the development of skilled workers, the growth of industrial zones, the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises, and a tangible improvement in the daily lives of millions of Ivorian households," said Wang Xiaoming, Deputy General Manager and Acting CEO of Songon Energies.¹

Joseph Anis, CEO of Gas Power for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at GE Vernova, emphasized the company's intent to deliver more than hardware. "Our commitment to power plant operators is rooted in delivering advanced gas power technology that provides the reliable, dispatchable energy necessary for long-term growth and positive community impact," Anis said.¹

What Is GE Vernova's Existing Footprint in Côte d'Ivoire?

GE Vernova cited a long-standing presence in Côte d'Ivoire that includes an existing installed base, power transmission equipment, digital software deployments, and active long-term service contracts.¹ That established in-country presence was identified by Songon Energies as a key factor in the vendor selection decision, alongside confidence in the 9E turbine technology itself.¹

For rotating equipment professionals, the project illustrates the continued role of proven, mid-range heavy-duty gas turbines in bridging generation gaps across high-growth African markets — and the growing importance of integrated service agreements and digital monitoring capabilities as differentiators in competitive equipment procurement processes.

Sources:

¹ GE Vernova. "GE Vernova secures order aimed to strengthen regional energy capacity in Côte d'Ivoire." Oct. 20, 2026.

² Ecofin Agency. "Côte d'Ivoire signs financing agreements for 372 MW gas-fired power plant."