OREANDA-NEWS. In Ressano Garcia, a new power generation plant designed to provide electrical power supply for Mozambique’s rapidly expanding economy, officially went into operation today. Core equipment includes thirteen 20-cylinder gas-based Rolls-Royce engines, which have the capacity to generate a total of 120 MW. The medium speed engines are B35:40V20AG2. This is the biggest medium speed power plant powered by Rolls-Royce.

The 100 MW plant is located close to the border between Mozambique and South Africa just outside the town of Ressano Garcia. It is owned and operated by the independent power producer Gigawatt Mozambique, and will supply electrical power to the national grid through a power purchase agreement with the state-owned utility, Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM).  

Dieter Klingenberg, Gigawatt Mozambique, Technical Director , said: “The decision to buy the Rolls-Royce generator sets was based on a detailed technical, commercial and financial evaluation, taking the full term of the power purchase agreement into consideration. We are looking forward to a long and healthy partnership with Rolls-Royce and plan to make this plant the flagship for Gigawatt and Rolls-Royce.”

Matthias Vogel, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, Vice President Power Generation , said: “Our medium-speed combustion engines enable efficient use of natural gas to develop power supply. For countries like Mozambique, this technology solution is an important element in building up national electrification.”

In addition to the core engines, Rolls-Royce has supplied engine accessories and support including technical assistance with the construction of the power plant. A 15 year long-term service agreement (LTSA) has been signed with the TSK/EEN Joint Venture company, which will operate and maintain the 100 MW power plant. The LTSA covers training of operating and maintenance staff, supervision of major maintenance, spare parts supply and technical support.