Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a long-term optimised maintenance agreement covering power plants in three locations owned by 100%-privately-owned Nigerian energy provider Paras Energy.
The aim of the agreement is to ensure the plants’ continued high levels of availability, reliability and efficiency, while providing important cost predictability for future budgeting purposes.
The plants covered by the five-year agreement are operated with Wärtsilä 34SG gas-fuelled engines producing a combined total output of about 132 MW.
“We have worked successfully with Wärtsilä for 12 years, during which time we have developed a strong spirit of mutual respect and trust. Until now we have managed and maintained these plants ourselves, but as we grow and expand our operations we are convinced that Wärtsilä’s professional approach will provide the support needed as we develop our core business,” says Paras Energy & Natural Resources MD Yashwant Kumar.
Paras Energy is a privately-owned independent energy supplier connected to Nigeria’s national grid. Availability of the generating assets is, therefore, a key necessity and was a notable factor in the decision to sign the optimised maintenance agreement with Wärtsilä. The agreement has been specifically tailored to meet the needs and growth ambitions of the customer.
In 2009, Paras Energy opted for Wärtsilä gas engines over using gas turbine technology, which was at the time standard in Nigeria. Today, this is aligned with the Nigerian federal government’s integrated energy mix targets. The Nigerian Sustainable Energy for All action agenda in the 30:30:30 vision document outlined a target of generating 30 GW of power by 2030, with 30% from renewable energy sources.