Temporary power and temperature con- trol solutions provider Aggreko is pro- viding critical power generation sys- tems and solutions for projects operating in some of the most isolated parts of the African continent, Aggreko Southern Africa local busi-ness head Martin Foster tells Engineering News.

He explains that Aggreko’s offerings vary, depending on the product or service that it is providing.

“For example, our diesel generation fleet hire in Africa ranges from 20 kVA to 1 500 kVA, which also vary depending on whether they were canopied or containerised,” Foster adds.

Additionally, the company provides a range of temperature-control equipment that includes modular bulk air handling and water chillers, as well as cooling towers, which can provide multi-megawatt cooling capacity.

“Mining companies save significant amounts of money on their initial capital expenditure, owing to the cost effectiveness of our systems and services. Temperature control, equipment and power are expensive elements for a growing business to acquire,” highlights Foster.

He adds that Aggreko has a flexible and mobile approach to the way it conducts its business operations.

“We can design bespoke solutions for our mining customers and work with them as a strategic partner. Aggreko works closely with customers to help them get started. . . until they can reach full capacity, with the company sometimes continuing as the sole supplier in remote areas or providing a bridge until they can be connected to the grid.”

Foster points out that Aggreko has designed its engines to operate on a range of fuel sources, including diesel, natural gas and heavy fuel oil (HFO), enabling customers to have options that address their cost and environmental considerations.

“All our equipment is manufactured in Dumbarton, Scotland, but is serviced locally. We have on-the-ground maintenance experts who carry out 24/7 servicing. In South Africa, we have service centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban,” he says.

Confronting Challenges

Foster says there are several challenges that the company faces in the marketing and distribution of its equipment and services in Africa, and which Aggreko is “continuously working to overcome”.

“Notwithstanding a few mines that run on high profit margins, mining production, in general, is at a low point, as the cost of running mining operations is significantly high. This presents its own set of challenges and many projects are currently being put on hold,” he states.

Foster adds that logistics is also a major challenge when dealing with remote mines in Africa or Australia.

“It can be challenging to get to these locations quickly. However, we have worked hard over the years to establish a sophisticated logistics operation, which means that no place is too remote for us,” he asserts.

Research and Development

Foster states that Aggreko is constantly refining it offerings to improve operational efficiencies.

“This requires research and development (R&D), which is undertaken at our manufacturing base in Dumbarton, which was opened in 2012. We take great care to work closely with our suppliers and external engineering experts, such as global multi-industry engineering provider of technology, product innovation and strategic consulting, Ricardo, to ensure that we use the latest technology.”

He points out that, in March last year, the company launched a new ultra-efficient 1 MW engine that produces 14% more power at 12% lower cost than its predecessor.

“The new G3+ engine can run on HFO fuel, producing power at about half the cost in terms of dollars per megawatt used. The G3+ engine took three years and cost £6-million to develop. The engine was developed by Aggreko and Ricardo, with the support of engine manufacturer Cummins,” Foster explains.

Further, he notes that, in addition to R&D, Aggreko also works with customers individually to ensure the company is making the required improvements.

“For example, we provided support for a mining customer in terms of the installation of its cooling capacity to ensure the company complied with Department of Mineral Resources’ standards during the peak months before the customer’s permanent solution was ready.”

Education and Training

In June last year, Aggreko launched its inaugural Aggreko University technical training programme in Abidjan, in Côte d’Ivoire.

For this programme, Aggreko and Côte d’Ivoire State-owned utility CI-Energies worked together to develop the next generation of energy industry professionals for the country.

“The ‘Summer Module’ resulted in 15 students completing an intensive four-week programme, during which they were introduced to the Aggreko business and learnt the fundamental aspects of operating in and working at an Aggreko facility. “We wanted to add real value to Côte d’Ivoire and the programme has been a huge success to date,” Foster enthuses.

Industry Insight

Foster says Africa’s “exponential economic growth” in the last five years has boosted the overall financial and political health of many markets; however, he adds that, in many cases, infrastructural developments have not kept pace with this growth.

“The power utility sector on the continent is developing the generation of clean energy as a way of meeting this demand explosion. While 90% of power generation in South Africa is currently sourced from fossil fuels, some significant projects are under way to capitalise on renewable-energy sources.

“The Integrated Resource Plan for Electricity 2010-2030 promotes the use of the country’s abundance in rich sunlight and considerable wind resources, in addition to its vast hydro potential and biomass-producing industries, such as sugar cane,” he notes.
Foster highlights that mining companies are continuously seeking ways to run their mines efficiently and they are starting to explore off-grid renewable- energy solutions to meet their electricity needs.

He believes the growth in alternative renew-able-energy power generation solutions is provid-ing Aggreko with significant opportunities.

“We have extensive experience in working in the new energy sector and can offer our customers real value from the planning stage. Our solutions span the life cycle of a new energy plant, from providing power during con- struction, loading bank solutions at the test phase and starting up power for plant com-missioning to providing intermittent capacity when natural resources, such as wind or sunlight, are compromised,” he concludes.