Powering up Zimbabwe
Consulting firm Hatch Africa has been selected by power utility, Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), to act as the lead consulting engineer on its Hwange Thermal Power Station Expansion Project, located in the Matabeleland North Province of Zimbabwe.
Hatch Africa director Marius Knoesen says that the project involves the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power Station to include approximately two additional 300 megawatt (MW) coal-fired plant units. As the lead consulting engineer on the project, Hatch Africa will be responsible for outlining any design and engineering-related requirements. In addition, as the project will be carried out on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis, Hatch Africa will also be responsible for procuring an EPC contractor, which Hatch Africa will then manage.
Hatch Africa Technical Specialist Eben Conradie points out that Zimbabwe’s current power demands call for approximately 2 000 MW of power; while currently there is a shortfall of 800 MW. The additional power provided by the Hwange project will almost add 30% to the country’s supply, thereby securing a reliable supply of power to the region which will in turn encourage development and investment in Zimbabwe.
Hatch Africa Thermal Energy Manager (and Project Manager for Hwange Power Plant Extension Project) Jan Fourie says that the first phase of the project kicked off in March 2011, with the completion date of the second phase scheduled for late 2011 and commissioning towards the end of 2014. Hatch’s offices in South Africa will participate in the project, with input from the Hatch’s offices in Australia and Canada. In addition to Hatch’s input, the project is currently being run as an integrated team, with contribution and collaboration from both Hatch Africa and ZPC.
Meanwhile, in an effort to further develop and grow the engineering fraternity in Zimbabwe, Hatch Africa has signed a sub-consultancy agreement with a local group of engineering companies named the Zimbabwe Africa Infrastructure Development Group (ZAIDG), which will see the group acting as Hatch Africa’s local representative firm. The agreement will see Hatch supporting the ZAIDG in the development of engineering capability within Zimbabwe; whilst the ZAIDG will support Hatch Africa with manpower and advise on local legislative requirements.
“We ultimately have a long-term vision to involve the ZAIDG in a number of the projects that Hatch Africa has secured in Zimbabwe. At the same time, the ZAIDG will also bring in work for Hatch Africa from the local sector,” explains Knoesen.
In addition to the Hwange Thermal Power Station Expansion Project, Hatch Africa has also been selected as lead consulting engineer to extend the Kariba South hydroelectric power station. Hatch will manage and oversee the extension of the Kariba South hydroelecrical power station to include two additional 150 MW units. The extension will increase the power station’s capacity from 750 MW (6 x 125 MW units) to 1050 MW.
Looking ahead, Knoesen is optimistic about Hatch Africa’s Energy Business Unit’s growth areas, citing its renewables business and how the company holds a major share of any existing renewable work in South Africa. Other prospective areas include thermal, oil and gas, as well as transmission and distribution.
Ends.
Notes to the Editor
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About Hatch
Hatch is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary professional services firm that delivers a comprehensive array of technical and strategic services, including Consulting, Information Technology, Engineering, Process Development, and Project and Construction Management to the Mining, Metallurgical, Energy, and Infrastructure sectors. Hatch has served clients for over 80 years and has project experience in more than 150 countries around the world. With 9,000 people in over 65 offices, the firm has more than $35 billion in projects currently under management.
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