Wärtsilä Modular Block solution to modernise power generation in a West African gold mine

The technology group Wärtsilä announces the first order of its innovative new Wärtsilä Modular Block solution for power generation to Aggreko, a global provider of mobile, modular power, temperature control and energy services. Four Wärtsilä Modular Block enclosures with one medium-speed Wärtsilä 32 engine in each, will provide 40 MW of energy to an off-grid gold mine in West Africa. The Modular Block order was placed by Aggreko in November 2019. This contract is the first one signed under the cooperation agreement between Wärtsilä and Aggreko, that was announced in June this year.

The Wärtsilä Modular Block solution will replace the existing diesel generators currently powering the mine. Thanks to the high efficiency of the engines the new solution will create substantial monthly savings in fuel costs. 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 the mine’s environmental impact.

Three Wärtsilä Modular Blocks, providing a total of 30 MW of power will be installed next to the existing power station in 2020. The fourth 10 MW Modular Block will be installed in 2022. The agreement with Aggreko includes an option to add a fifth 10 MW unit to the power plant. 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 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,” added Jean Nabb, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Wärtsilä Energy Business.

Aggreko 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. More information here.

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Wärtsilä Modular Block
Info bulletin: Wärtsilä Modular Block for mining

Wärtsilä Energy Business in brief
Wärtsilä Energy Business is leading the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. As an energy system integrator, we understand, design, build and serve optimal power systems for future generations. Wärtsilä’s solutions provide the needed flexibility to integrate renewables and secure power system reliability. Our offering comprises engine-based flexible power plants – including liquid gas systems – hybrid solar power plants, energy management systems and storage and integration solutions. We support our customers over the lifecycle of their installations with services that enable increased efficiency and guaranteed performance. Wärtsilä has 70 GW of installed power plant capacity in 177 countries around the world.  https://www.wartsila.com/energy/

Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2018, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 5.2 billion with approximately 19,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.wartsila.com