Wärtsilä Energy Business Archives

We need to solve the complex equation of energy transition and grid reliability, says Wärtsilä

23Apr

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

Energy, Morocco News

We need to solve the complex equation of energy transition and grid reliability, says Wärtsilä

Behind the necessary ramp-up of renewable energies, the challenge of integrating them into the power grid occupied centre stage at the North & West Africa Energy Transition Forum. According to Wärtsilä Energy, a leading power plant manufacturer and energy systems integrator in Africa, there are multiple constraints to be taken into account in order to increase the share of renewables while guaranteeing more reliable power production. To solve this complex equation, the issues of making the energy system more flexible, anticipating technological developments, and financing must be addressed effectively. These were the key issues discussed at the 2024 North and West Africa Energy Transition Forum in Rabat, which brought together the major public and private players in the energy sector ...

17Oct

By Nicolas MathonNo Comments

Energy, Nigeria News

Resilience is the mother of all virtues… and the key to unlocking successful independent power projects in Nigeria

By Nicolas Mathon, Director, Project Development, Africa and Europe, Wärtsilä Energy The successful completion of the Azura Edo 450 MW gas-fired power project in 2016 was hailed at the time as setting the blueprint for future independent power projects in Nigeria. The $900 million plant, which gathered 20 international banks and equity financing partners from more than nine countries, took over six years of project development and construction. It was intended to provide a pathway for others to enter into similar agreements and unlock financing for power sector investment. But five years on, no new independent power projects have come to fruition. Today, grid generating potential is just over 12 GW in Nigeria. More than 40% of the population lack access to electricity, and those with ...

How Egypt banks on renewables to meet expected surge of energy demand

15Jul

By Toufik KhitousNo Comments

Egypt News, Energy, Green Energy

How Egypt banks on renewables to meet expected surge of energy demand

To meet its soaring demand for energy, Egypt is turning to renewable sources. Its targets, if accomplished, will see it become a pioneer in the African energy landscape. But are the plans realistic? Egypt’s population has now passed 100 million. As one of the most populous and fastest-growing nations on the African continent, providing electricity to all its citizens is a matter of priority for the Egyptian government. To ensure continuous security and stability of energy supply, Egypt has launched an energy diversification strategy, known as the 2035 Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES), which aims to step up the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency in the country. Egypt aims to produce 20% of its electricity using renewable sources by 2022 and 42% by 2035. For ...

Energy storage technology will make blackouts in Africa ancient history

15Jun

By Risto PaldaniusNo Comments

Energy, Green Energy

Energy storage technology will make blackouts in Africa ancient history

A shift from Africa’s traditional approach to power generation is needed to unleash the continent’s clean energy potential and secure an African future free from blackouts. A strategy centred around energy storage and flexible power systems will be the key to guaranteeing the reliability of a high-renewable grid, while also lowering the cost of electricity for Africans. As Africa’s economies and populations steadily grow, so too does the demand for reliable electricity. Simply put, new power plants need to be built, and the reliability of electricity systems needs to be vastly improved. But here is the challenge: How can African countries build an electrical system that can both integrate a large amount of inexpensive but intermittent renewable energy, while at the same time ensure resilie...