afrol News, 23 July - Investments in a new power plant in Lomé, Togo, will double the country's capacity to produce electricity. The new power plant, using innovative technology, is to be fully operational by the end of 2009.

Two companies, US-based ContourGlobal and Finland-based Wärtsilä, confirm that they been awarded supply agreements for the new Lomé power plant. Wärtsilä yesterday revealed it was to "supply a 100 MW power plant to Togo to produce electricity for the national grid." ContourGlobal has been awarded the contract for the construction and operation of the power plant.

The power plant is the largest electricity investment ever made in Togo. When operational, the plant is set to significantly diversify Togo's power generation portfolio and supplement the country's hydroelectric power during the dry season. The electricity investment is set to double the country's generating capacity.

The "tri fuel" 100 MW project, expected to be operational at the end of 2009, will be powered by six Wärtsilä engines (16.6 MW each), which are capable of operating on natural gas, heavy fuel oil, and distillate diesel oil-permitting instantaneous fuel switching capability. "The plant will deliver the same output on all three fuels. This way, the power plant can always use the cheapest and the most readily available fuel," according to Wärtsilä.

"The tri-fuel capability of the engines was a key factor in being awarded the contract, in addition to the fact that the Wärtsilä 50DF engine offers high output, low emission rates, first class efficiency, and excellent reliability," according to Tony van Velzen, Regional Director for Africa of Wärtsilä.

The projected plant plans to run on heavy fuel oil until natural gas becomes available via the West Africa Gas Pipeline in construction. The project is set to produce over 780 GWh of electricity and help the West African nation and the broader region overcome an electricity shortage that has resulted in rolling blackouts and inhibited its economic growth.

By staff writers

© afrol News

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