Electricity + Control July 2019

round up

ENERGY MANAGEMENT + ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Globeleq acquires South African renewable plants

Standard Bank acted as the sole mandated underwriter and arranger of the acquisition debt facility. Rentia van Tonder, Head: Power, CIB Standard Bank (South Africa) added, "The transaction is another step in growing a leading, sustainable African energy provider supported by a leading African bank. Through our partnership with Globeleq we are enabling growth on the continent, providing accessible and sustainable energy sources to the people of South Africa." Since 2002, Globeleq’s experienced team of professionals has built a diverse portfolio of independent power plants, generating nearly 1 400 MW in 12 locations across five countries, with a further 2 000 MW of power projects in development. For more information visit: www.globeleq.com

Electro-mechanical power transmission specialist, Vert Energy, recently hosted a solar power workshop at its Johannesburg head office, looking at global trends in sustainable solutions for renewable energy. “The training programme was developed especially for our engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors. We focused on the importance of using dependable power generation systems in photovoltaic (PV) technology, to convert solar energy to electricity,” says Ryan Robertson, Vert Energy Sales and Marketing Director. “The programme highlighted the benefits of incorporating quality branded electric power generation products into gensets and the need for technically competent support, to ensure dependable performance of the PV system. “We included information about our DEIF generator controls, which are recognised globally for critical power and decentralised power applications. These components include genset controllers, protection relays and interfaces, as well as switchboards and panels. Advanced control technology features ensure optimum performance, high accuracy, improved safety, minimal maintenance requirements and reduced downtime. “The new DEIF automatic sustainable controller (ASC) – the first of its kind for renewable energy – is a control-integrated system, which provides a safe and reliable link between renewable energy inverters and traditional diesel generators. This technology ensures maximum solar penetration and optimum energy savings, even during a utility failure,” says Robertson. Globeleq, a leading developer, owner and operator of electricity generation in Africa, earlier this year completed the acquisition in South Africa of four renewable generation plants and the asset management company from an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management. The addition of these entities complements Globeleq's existing renewable power business in South Africa where the company already owns, operates and manages 238 MW of solar and wind projects. The solar assets acquired include Aries (11 MW), Konkoonsies (11 MW) and Soutpan (31 MW) and the Klipheuwel wind farm (27 MW). Acquisition of interests in the Boshof (66 MW) solar plant was expected to close in June. The projects originally reached commercial operations in 2014 and have a 20- year power purchase agreement with Eskom. Paul Hanrahan, Globeleq's CEO commented: "The addition of these renewable plants further establishes Globeleq's position as a power sector leader in Africa, expanding our renewable energy footprint across the continent.The acquisition will deliver significant value for all stakeholders, including the local communities." The transaction will unlock additional equity investments into these assets and will foster skills development and knowledge transfer within the local industry.The transaction has strong synergy with Globeleq's existing assets and offers an opportunity for further operational improvements as well as delivering improvements to the existing social and economic development programmes.

Globeleq already owns and operates 238 MW of solar and wind plants in South Africa.

Genset controls for PV technologies

Vert Energy teamed up with the DEIF Group over five years ago, as the exclusive distributor in sub-Saharan Africa of DEIF power and control components for critical power and decentralised power applications. Apart from solutions for solar power, DEIF power management products are used in marine and offshore applications, for wind power and diesel control, as well as gas and hydro control. DEIF’s ‘green technology’ focuses on energy efficiency, fuel optimisation and reduced emissions. In addition to DEIF generator controls, Vert Energy supplies and supports the extensive Leroy Somer range of standard and adapted ac and dc motors, geared/brake motors, as well as LS variable speed drives and alternators. The company is also the authorised sales and support partner for Allight Lighting towers, API/Covrad GT Heat Transfer, as well as ASCO automatic transfer switches and Avtron and Froment load banks. Vert Energy’s electro-mechanical power transmission systems are supported by the company’s OEM trained field services team, which offers specialist services that encompass re-assembly, installation and commissioning, inspections and diagnostics, as well as on-site maintenance and repair. Vert Energy provides a power solutions service to companies and communities throughout Africa – even in the most isolated regions. Enquiries: Ryan Robertson at Vert Energy.

Tel. +27 (0)86 111 8378, or email: ryan.robertson@vertgroup.co.za

24 Electricity + Control

JULY 2019