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Help for sagging African infrastructure
Press releases about power plant construction projects are a-dime-a-dozen given the feverish pace of building in China and other areas around the world. But when I see one about a project in Africa, it gets my attention.
If you know anything about the political geography of the continent, you know that South Africa is one of the most industrially developed countries, but even there, the electrical utility infrastructure is sagging. So it's big news when Eskom (the state-owned utility) launches a project to build the country's largest power plant, the first new coal-fired project in 20 years. The plant is under construction in Lephalale, Limpopo province, and will total 4,800 MW (6 x 800), so it is large by any standard.
Alstom Power has been awarded the contract to build the steam turbines, generators, condensers, auxiliary turbine equipment, and associated erecting services. What makes this particularly interesting story is the fact that Alstom will do 45% of the work in South Africa using local engineers, technicians, laborers, etc. Given the total contract value of 1.4 billion euros, this is a huge boost to the local economy and provides an opportunity to train thousands of workers of all levels. Considering the awful economic conditions of much of the continent, every bit helps.
Help for sagging African infrastructure
November 16, 2007
Press releases about power plant construction projects are a-dime-a-dozen given the feverish pace of building in China and other areas around the world. But when I see one about a project in Africa, it gets my attention.If you know anything about the political geography of the continent, you know that South Africa is one of the most industrially developed countries, but even there, the electrical utility infrastructure is sagging. So it's big news when Eskom (the state-owned utility) launches a project to build the country's largest power plant, the first new coal-fired project in 20 years. The plant is under construction in Lephalale, Limpopo province, and will total 4,800 MW (6 x 800), so it is large by any standard.
Alstom Power has been awarded the contract to build the steam turbines, generators, condensers, auxiliary turbine equipment, and associated erecting services. What makes this particularly interesting story is the fact that Alstom will do 45% of the work in South Africa using local engineers, technicians, laborers, etc. Given the total contract value of 1.4 billion euros, this is a huge boost to the local economy and provides an opportunity to train thousands of workers of all levels. Considering the awful economic conditions of much of the continent, every bit helps.
Posted by Peter Welander on November 16, 2007 | Comments (0)
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