Page 7 - Energize March 2021
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NEWS
Powerships to help provide SA with power the economy following a devastating second
As South Africa focuses on rebuilding
wave of Covid-19 infections and restrictions,
businesses and communities can rest
arpowership SA (KPSA), a South African company which is 49% black owned, welcomes assured that powerships will mitigate the
the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE’s) decision to appoint KPSA impact of load-shedding and its effect on
Kas a Preferred Bidder in the country’s Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producers livelihoods. KPSA will stand shoulder to
Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP). shoulder with fellow South Africans, bridging
The ships will provide power in the ports of Coega, Saldanha and Richards Bay, thereby the energy gap with a clean, reliable, cost-
assisting to support the country’s national electricity supply. effective source of power.
Preferred Bidders have been selected through an open, highly regulated, and transparent bid As part of our commitment to the South
process determined by the DMRE. The ideal solutions for this bid were hybrid renewable options African government’s just energy transition,
and Liquified Natural Gas LNG-to-Power proposals, due to the nature of the bid and the needs of KPSA has committed to ensure that at least
the South African population. The KPSA bid offers low-cost electricity generation, supported by a 65% of its workforce will be South African,
clean thermal energy solution using LNG. employed from local communities. Our
With Karpowership’s globally established LNG-to-Power value chain and unique powerships, comprehensive Economic Development Plan
KPSA offers a solution that promises fast-track access to reliable electricity. KPSA has also is weighted towards long-term jobs, skills
committed to a comprehensive economic development plan that will provide socio-economic uplift development and economic upliftment in
to local communities where they operate through job creation, skills development, and local supplier local communities, at each of the three ports
procurement. KPSA will endeavour to assist in the country’s economic recovery by providing a where the powerships will be stationed.
reliable source of power for all sectors and industries to meet South Africa’s energy supply gap. As a responsible corporate citizen
Karpowership SA will benefit from the global alliance of its parents: with well-established which operates in accordance with
and reputable brands such as Shell as our exclusive LNG supplier, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) global standards and best practice, KPSA
from Japan, a world leader in the LNG shipping industry, KPSA can assure a smooth transition to will ensure and maintain all local and
efficient and reliable electricity in South Africa at the most competitive cost. international environmental codes and
The company has worked with local and international lenders as a part of its bid submission practices in order to preserve, protect and
and will continue these efforts. enhance South Africa’s oceans, ports and
Powerships, which are fully self-contained floating power stations which operate on regasified sensitive environmental areas.
LNG, together with specialised floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) for the LNG, are KPSA looks forward to working with
constructed and immediately available for deployment in South Africa. the South African government and South
Powerships will contribute to the avoidance of load shedding during peak periods and when African people, to ensure energy security
unplanned breakdowns occur at other power plants in the system. Powerships are also a cost- for all. n
effective way to procure and deliver reliable electricity with inherent additional benefits to the
grid system. Using LNG, powerships generate electricity at an affordable all-inclusive delivered Contact Nicole Mirkin, Karpowership SA,
cost, which includes all capital costs such as fuel, equipment, as well as all operational and Tel 084 552 3122,
maintenance costs. nicole@resolvecommunications.co.za
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