Technology group Wärtsilä now has 600 power plants commissioned in 46 African countries.
The group first began operating in Africa in Tanzania in 1975. Since then, the group has delivered more than 600 installations, supplied power plants in 46 countries, generating 25% of the national electricity supply in over 25 countries, it notes.
Total installed capacity now exceeds 7.4 GW, of which one-third is covered by operation and maintenance contracts.
“This strong record, built up over decades, has its roots in a dedicated local presence, combined with the capability to bring together international expertise to build groundbreaking energy solutions,” the company comments.
INDUSTRY FIRSTS
With more than 650 employees and service hubs located in Kenya, South Africa and Senegal, Wärtsilä indicates that it has contributed to many industry firsts.
These include Africa’s largest gas engine power plant, on the Kribi coast of Cameroon, with 216 MW capacity, as well as Africa’s highest installation, the 175 MW power plant in Sasolburg, South Africa, sitting at 1 700 m above sea level.
Moreover, the KivuWatt power plant, in Rwanda, is the first ever power plant to use the naturally occurring methane from Lake Kivu to generate electricity and reduce the environmental risks associated with such high concentrations of gas.
Wärtsilä notes that reciprocating gas engine technology and energy management systems play an important role in response to Africa’s growing demand for flexible and reliable electricity.
“Small to medium-sized projects can be used to establish microgrids in remote regions. Their flexibility means that they can work hand in hand with renewable energy resources. Output can be ramped up at the same rate as wind or solar output fluctuates,” the company explains.
Wärtsilä also mentions the importance of providing unique power solutions to meet the specific challenges of its clients, as well as extending educational and economic benefits to local communities when delivering on projects.
In this vein, Wärtsilä has partnered with Ambitious.Africa, an initiative working to connect the youth of African and Nordic countries, to foster upcoming talent and co-create a more equal and sustainable future.
Through this association, Wärtsilä says it can actively connect students, entrepreneurs, startups, financiers and other stakeholders from across two continents and provide them with the knowledge, skills and training they need to bring about real and lasting change.
One recent contribution was made in support of solar energy unit installations in informal settlements in the Western Cape. The households in these settlements are either connected to an illegal and unsafe electricity source or have no access to basic electricity.