Construction firm Group Five CEO Mike Upton said on Monday that there would be "fairly significant" opportunities for the company in the development of small to medium gas or diesel-fired power plants that could counteract the current power supply shortages.

When asked about what growth prospects the energy crisis would present for the group, Upton told Engineering News Online that "industry's hands were not tied" until Eskom's first new power stations under its expansion plan came on stream in 2012.

He said that Group Five had the ability and the technology available, through its relationship with foreign companies, to fast-track power projects bringing them on line in 12 to 24 months. One such power station, generating 200 MW, would be worth $100-million.

Outside the country, the company, which released its interim results on Monday, also expected to increase its involvement as a contractor on independent power projects (IPPs) in Africa.

Upton noted that the company had recently been awarded its second contract for an IPP in Nigeria, its first being the 180-MW power station situated in the southern Akwa Ibom region, on the Niger river delta.

He explained that the group's experience in Nigeria meant that it was equipped to roll out to more markets in South Africa.

Also, as a result of the local power supply problems and South Africa's inconsistent ability to export electricity to neighbouring countries, Upton noted that the number of enquiries for power-related projects from Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique had accelerated in the past few months.

Outside the power sector, prospects in foreign markets included some R3-billion worth of work - roads, bridges and airports - in Dubai and recently Abu Dhabi.

In Africa, (West, Central and East) the company's focus on the resources sector remained strong. Group Five announced the closing of its general building operation in Luanda, Angola, and said that the company would be focusing its operations in the country on the oil and gas sector.

Upton explained the motivation behind the closure, saying that it had built a big housing scheme over the last five to six years and had found that the environment "was not suited" to the company, as it was difficult and corruption was present.

Group Five's focus in Africa would be in the power and mining sectors - and specifically private companies, as opposed to government.

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