Photo by: Duane Daws
Temporary power generation services provider Aggreko has extended the contract for its 200 MW gas-fired power project in Côte d'Ivoire by three years, with the option to extend this by a further two years.
Located in the Vridi area of Abidjan, the power plant provides crucial power to the West Africa country and its neighbours.
Côte d’Ivoire power utility CI-Energies director-general Amidou Traoré said the extension of the contract formed part of the country’s plans to strengthen its energy infrastructure.
“The 200 MW supplied [by] the Aggreko plant is an important component of our energy generation mix and helps us maintain supply to our customers while we develop our long-term infrastructure programmes,” he commented.
A thriving economy with gross domestic product growth of about 9% a year has steadily increased the energy demand of the country in recent years. The plant was installed in 2010 and initially produced 70 MW. This was increased to 100 MW in 2011 and to 200 MW in 2013.
“Our solutions address shortages in power generation capacity, giving our customers the ability to maintain supply while they work to improve their systems,” stated Aggreko North and West Africa MD Christophe Jacquin.
The Aggreko plant injects vital capacity into the local grid, helping keep essential infrastructure and services running, while also ensuring power supplies are maintained to both business and domestic users.
Aggreko has a significant presence in Côte d'Ivoire and views the country as a significant platform in its West African operations. In addition to the Abidjan plant, Aggreko also runs a youth training initiative, the Aggreko Technical University in Côte d'Ivoire.
The programme involves an intensive training syllabus that integrates advanced technical, engineering and project operations modules.
Graduates have access to fast-track employment opportunities within technical and project operations positions in Côte d'Ivoire and other locations in Aggreko’s network of international power projects.
The programme has produced 18 trained Ivorian and West African engineers, 14 of whom have graduated and joined Aggreko in various locations across Africa.