Project Bravo to Add 4,800 Megawatts to Meet South Africa Electricity
Needs
Overland Park, Kan. (May 8, 2008) – Black & Veatch, a leading global
engineering, consulting and construction company, has been selected by Eskom to
provide project management and engineering services for a 4,800-megawatt (MW)
power generation facility being constructed in South Africa.
“This is a world-class project which will have extensive and immediate
benefits for South Africa,” said Len Rodman, Chairman, President and CEO of
Black & Veatch. “We will provide an innovative infrastructure solution that
will be sustainable for current and future generations.”
Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electric utility, is utilizing Black &
Veatch’s experience and expertise in assisting with engineering services and
supervising construction of six-800 (MW) units that will comprise Project
Bravo, a 4,800-MW supercritical coal-fired generation facility about 120 miles
east of Johannesburg. The units’ design will feature flue-gas de-sulphurization
with the end result being a highly efficient and reliable energy supply that
will also lower air emissions.
“Drawing on our in-depth experience from implementing sustainable large-scale
energy projects throughout Asia-Pacific and the United States, we will utilize
our global workforce to deliver a reliable solution that will also greatly
benefit economic growth and enhance the quality of life for South Africa
residents,” said Dean Oskvig, President and CEO of Black & Veatch’s global
energy business.
Project Bravo is scheduled to be completed in stages with the first unit coming
online in 2012 and the final unit in 2015. Project Bravo work for Eskom, the
world’s 11th-largest electric utility, is now underway and will ultimately
provide needed power for South Africa’s growing economy. The country’s electric
supplies are currently constrained and require increased generation capacity.
The shortage of adequate electric power supply is affecting industries in South
Africa such as production levels at gold and platinum mining operations.
“We chose Black & Veatch for this important project based on the
company’s strong record of consistently delivering solutions to complex energy
projects on specified performance and schedule,” said Jan Oberholzer, Acting
Senior General Manager for Eskom. “This is a historic project for South Africa
and will have tremendous benefits for the country’s economic growth.”
Black & Veatch has been providing engineering, consulting and
construction services to Eskom since 1995 in areas ranging from power plant
consulting, planning, design and engineering, renewable energy, nuclear
strategy, environmental services and information technology. Oskvig added that
the company’s long-term relationship with Eskom also brings added benefits to
the project.
“Our in-depth knowledge and experience of Eskom’s operations allow us to
execute a project of this magnitude on an aggressive project schedule,
addressing the critical and timely demand for energy,” said Oskvig.
About Eskom
Eskom Holdings generates, transports and distributes approximately 95% of
South Africa’s electricity – making up 60% of the total electricity consumed on
the African continent. Eskom is the world’s eleventh-largest power utility in
terms of generating capacity, ranks ninth in terms of sales, and boasts the
world's largest dry-cooling power station.
Eskom Holdings’ Enterprises Division designs, builds and refurbishes Eskom’s
assets, and acts as a catalyst for project development for the group. Eskom
Enterprises’ main focus is to support Eskom Holdings and be the custodian of
non-regulated businesses and offer strategic and commercial lifecycle services
to the line divisions.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and
construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy,
water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental
markets. Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch develops tailored infrastructure
solutions that meet clients’ needs and provide sustainable benefits. Solutions
are provided from the broad line of service expertise available within Black
& Veatch, including conceptual and preliminary engineering services,
engineering design, procurement, construction, financial management, asset
management, program management, construction management, environmental,
security design and consulting, management consulting and infrastructure
planning. With $3.2 billion in revenue, the employee-owned company has more
than 100 offices worldwide and has completed projects in more than 100
countries on six continents. The company’s Web site address is www.bv.com.
Media Contact:
George Minter
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minterga@bv.com
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