The Sunday Mail
Business Reporter
THE Dema Emergency Diesel Power Plant – which has been feeding electricity into the national grid for almost three months now – has so far generated a cumulative 100 million kilowatt hours of power, or 100 000MW, a top official has said.The project, which employs 82 locals, is spearheaded by Zesa and Sakunda Holdings, and partners who include supplier of emergency power generation equipment, Aggreko Africa.
Aggreko Africa MD Mr James Shepherd told The Sunday Mail Business that the project had helped significantly reduce power shortages in Zimbabwe.
“The 200MW project is running and has been for some time. The plant has just produced over 100 million kWh to date and so far has made a huge difference in reducing power shortages in Zimbabwe.
“The Dema Plant is part of the overall energy mix in Zimbabwe. It is important to note that the project allows for increased energy security and independence, which has a significant impact on the country’s economic growth,” said Mr Shepherd.
Dema contributes about six percent to the country’s energy mix. Hwange contributes 44 percent, Kariba 24 percent, Eskom seven percent and HCB eight percent.
Current national demand for electricity stands at 1 400MW. As of last Tuesday, Zimbabwe was generating 1 033MW from its major power sources.
Mr Shepherd said Aggreko was committed to the long-term success of Zimbabwe’s power sector and was keen to invest in energy generation projects, with focus on unlocking more cost-effective fuel sources like coal bed methane gas.
Aggreko says fuel represents around 80 percent of the total cost of energy and it was critical to secure the best fuel supply at the lowest cost.
The firm has developed G3+ engines to provide one of the most fuel efficient products in the market.
Said Mr Shepherd: “We are always working on innovations to guarantee maximum efficiency in all of our operations and ensure we offer the best possible value to our customer and end-users.”
The G3+ engine is the product of a three–year, £6 million development programme and is the world’s most efficient 1 MW diesel engine for utility power that could also run on heavy fuel oil. The new engine produces 14 percent more power at 12 percent lower cost per megawatt than a standard G3 engine.
