Internationale projecten

Providing Africa with a Power shortage solution

With limited power generation capabilities, increase in electricity demand due to the expansion of most economy driving sectors throughout Africa, rental power plants seems to be the new kid on the block to curb the current energy shortage, despite the lack of a rental power equipment culture on the continent.

Early this year, after a very short installation period, Energyst International Projects commissioned a 30MW rental power plant in Debre Zeyt, Ethiopia.

The power plant at Debre Zeyt is now delivering its 30MW directly into the Ethiopian power grid through its substation, while the distribution is managed by the Ethiopian Electricity Power Corporation. This project has not only increased the total Ethiopian power generation output to at least 600MW, but has also aided in the development of small scale industries in various sectors through training, employment and an affordable power supply.

African Power, Mining & Oil Review had an exclusive interview with Energyst Sales Manager International Projects, Mr Chris van den Berg, on how power rental plants developed and designed by Energyst can alleviate the power crisis in Africa.

How do you explain Energyst’s success in Africa?

Chris: Expansion in South America and Africa started in 2006 and Energyst will increase market share in these regions intensively. Customer satisfaction, reliability and short delivery times at competitive prices are key elements which enable future growth. Since Energyst is a new and flexible organisation one of its key competitive advantages is the ability to quickly adapt to the changing market environment and customer requirements.

Explain how Energyst supports utilities/companies with solutions to enable them to improve on power generation and develop their businesses.

Chris: After the first contact with a customer, service and response time for information are short and direct. Energyst provides realistic information with regard to planning, operation as well as performance guarantees adapted to the local environment. This leaves the customer with a detailed and reliable solution for its demand. In Africa, demand varies for example from a 24/7 Utility project for EEPCO to a short term 12hr per day power plant for the mining industry. The level of support has to be discussed with the customer but Energyst supplies mainly turnkey solutions.

What are some of the major challenges Energyst faces in your African projects and how do you overcome them?

Chris: Fuel quality in Africa is an ongoing issue. Caterpillar engines are acknowledged and renowned as one of the best engines in the world and Energyst generators are custom built to operate under challenging circumstances.

Still, fuel quality must be constantly monitored to ensure a reliable and efficient operation. From its worldwide experience, Energyst has developed an expertise on fuel processing and cleaning systems that allow our gensets to perform under challenging circumstances. By implementing our state-of-the-art fuel system, we can help our customers and deliver the fuel economy and reliability they expect.

Why should African companies choose Energyst?

Chris: Energyst Cat Rental Power is much more than just a rental company. Energyst Cat Rental Power is an expert in temporary power generation. Energyst Cat Rental Power's unmatched know-how and enthusiasm leverage our professional approach to make customers more successful. Energyst Cat Rental Power is a problem solver at heart, providing complete solutions. We believe our strength is built on diversity, integrity, passion and solutions in process and application knowledge.

For example: In less than one (1) month on the Debre Zeyt site, all production units, transformers and fuel containers were installed and ready for commercial operation. During the months of operation we had full availability of the 30 MW and a very satisfied customer.

Our trustworthy solution teams are true utility professionals that have developed ISO 9000 certified solutions for temporary power generation projects. With Energyst Cat Rental Power, our customers get a true professional utility partner that works with them to identify and implement optimum and reliable solutions using Caterpillar power generators, which set the standards for reliability, technological innovation and fuel efficiency. Energyst Cat Rental Power employs a specially developed range of mobile generators designed to meet the stringent demands and sometimes harsh operating conditions of temporary power solutions.

How does Energyst deal with QHSE policies / safeguard QHSE managerial aspects onsite?

Chris: Energyst abides by a stringent quality, health, safety and environmental (QHSE) policy. By implementing these standards from the start in any project, Energyst is able to design and build power plants that stay one step ahead of the competition. This way, Energyst ensures that everyone on and around a site is safe and secure at all times. Energyst considers all crewmembers as a member of the Energyst ‘family’ and takes care to create a safe, healthy and agreeable working environment that places the least burden on its surrounding environment as possible.

What is the future of Energyst in Africa?

Chris: Energyst takes pride in its process of continuous improvement. Over the years, we have developed a specialisation in working in Africa. Through this, Energyst has been able to adapt, both organisationally and technically, to the specific needs and demands of African projects. This development proves that Energyst, supported by the strong Caterpillar dealer network, will continue to be successful in Africa and that its growth and market penetration has only just begun.

Chris van den Berg