Challenges
- Damaged generation, transmission and distribution networks
- Unstable power grid, frequent blackouts
- Limited land for plant due to dense urban population
BACKGROUND
Angola is Africa’s second-largest producer of proven natural gas reserves in sub-Saharan Africa and the third-largest economy on the continent. Angola continues to recover from the damage caused by a 27-year-long civil war and experiences regular electric power shortages in its capital, Luanda, and across the country.
SOLUTION
With a cutting-edge fleet and rapid installation capabilities, APR Energy was selected in 2012 by Angola’s state-owned utility, Empresa Nacional de Electricidade (ENE), to install a 40MW fast-track power plant using diesel power modules in suburban Luanda for base load operation. After establishing a track record of operational excellence and building a trusted relationship with the customer, APR Energy was later engaged for another 40MW of capacity. Recognizing the fuel flexibility, power density and mobility advantages that aeroderivative turbine technology provides, and wanting the same robust and environmentally friendly technology used in many permanent power plants, ENE specifically requested a mobile gas turbine plant for the additional capacity. As part of the turbine plant, APR Energy built three one-million liter tanks to ensure its continuous operation in the event of fuel delivery delays.
OUTCOME
APR Energy successfully commissioned its 40MW mobile turbine plant in June 2014, resulting in one of the first mobile turbine projects in sub-Saharan Africa. Pleased with the service provided by APR Energy, ENE has extended the contract for both plants multiple times to provide power to more than 500,000 people.