By Adedapo Adesanya
Technology group, Wärtsilä, in collaboration with Aggreko, a global provider of mobile, modular power, temperature control and energy services has said that it will provide 40 megawatts (MW)of energy to Resolute Mining’s Syama off-grid gold mine in Mali.
It was noted that four Wärtsilä Modular Block enclosures with one medium-speed Wärtsilä 32 engine in each will be domiciled in the West African country since the order was placed by Aggreko in November, being the first contract signed under the cooperation agreement between Wärtsilä and Aggreko, that was announced in June this year.
The company revealed that the Wärtsilä Modular Block solution will replace the existing dieselgenerators currently powering the mine, adding that high efficiency of the engines with the new solution will create substantial monthly savings in fuel costs.
Also, fast-starting and load following capabilities will facilitate the integration of renewables into the mine’s energy system. The mine will be powered by a reliable, flexible and affordable solution, which will help to enhance its environmental impact.
Next year, it was revealed that three Wärtsilä Modular Blocks, providing a total of 30 MW of power, will be installed next to the existing power station in 2020 while a fourth 10 MW Modular Block will be installed in 2022. The technology group mentioned further that the agreement with Aggreko includes an option to add a fifth 10 MW unit to the power plant.
Addressing the issue, Stephane Le Corre, Strategy and Development Director at Aggreko said the scalability of Wärtsilä Modular Block solution enables the mine to add additional power capacity if needed to support the future growth.
“The Wärtsilä Modular Block supports our technology investment strategy and when included as part of a hybrid solution, has enabled us to offer Resolute an extremely cost-effective solution for 16 years,” the Director said.
On Wärtsilä ‘s part, the Director, Strategic Partnerships, Energy Business said, “the Wärtsilä Modular Block solution opens up exciting new opportunities, both for permanent and rental electricity generation.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Aggreko in this rapidly growing market, and this first order is encouraging for the future success of our cooperation.”
This aligns with Aggreko’s objectives which is working at the forefront of a rapidly changing energy market and is focused on solving its customers’ challenges to provide cost-effective, flexible and greener solutions across the globe.
Business Post Contributor 
Dipo Olowookere