South Africa is devoting a great deal of attention to preparing for the 2010 World Cup that it will be hosting, an event that will require significant power resources. However, it is not just one the world’s largest sporting event that is driving energy demands in that country.
An economic boom, largely attributable to the country’s successful mining industry, has steadily spurred increased needs for reliable electricity. Recently, crippling power outages sharpened focus on the country’s infrastructure needs.
A number of new power plant projects are now underway with designs that help diminish their impact on the country’s natural resources, while meeting energy needs.
With the help of products and engineering expertise from SPX, some of these projects will be among the most modern, efficient facilities in the world.
Critical Components for Critical Services
The Medupi power station, in the Limpopo province, will be the first major coal-fired power plant to be built in the country in 20 years. Balcke-Dürr, an SPX company, is helping to manufacture the plant’s steam generators by supplying pulse jet fabric filters and air pre-heaters. These products are designed to help reduce emissions and enhance plant productivity and efficiency. (Read the press release announcing the project.)
In the Mpumalanga province, a new power plant is being developed to consume significantly less water than a conventional coal-fired plant. SPX is contributing to the effort by supplying critical components. Included are SPX air-cooled condensers, designed to reduce power plant water usage. (Read the press release announcing the project.)