Name and Location
Morupule B coal-fired power station, Palapye, Botswana.
Project Description
The project involves the construction of a new pulverised-coal-fired power station and associated infrastructure, adjacent to the existing Morupule power station, which lies 280 km north of Gaborone.
The existing Morupule power station provides about 80% of Botswana’s power requirements. Faced with diminishing surplus generation capacity in the region, the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is proceeding with the implementation of the first phase of the Morupule B power plant.
Coal will be sourced from the nearby Morupule colliery, which provides coal for the existing Morupule A power station. The plant will also use existing infrastructure, including roads, coal transport system, water supply and sold waste disposal facilities.
The unit will consist of four 150 MW units, which will be powered using circulating fluidised-bed combustion technology, and will be equipped with air-cooled condensers to minimise water consumption.
Morupule B will feature a coal yard and coal preparation equipment, coal crushers, limestone preparation and feed systems, boilers with associated particulate removal equipment, fans, a steam turbine and balance of plant.
Value
The new Morupule power station is valued at $1,6-billion.
Duration
Commissioning of Morupule B is scheduled for the third half of 2011, with commercial operations expected to begin in 2012.
Client
BPC.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
China National Electric Equipment Corporation (engineering, procurement and construction); Standard Bank and the Industrial Development Bank of China (lead financial arrangers); African Development Bank and the World Bank (loan finance).
Latest Developments
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Construction of the new power plant is nearing completion, with commissioning scheduled for the third quarter of 2011.
Contact Details for Project Information
BPC, tel +267 360 3203 or fax +267 397 3563.