The Eritrean Electricity Corporation is taking significant steps to address the country’s electric supply challenges. The focus is on boosting the production capacity of two main stations in the interconnected grid: Beleza and Hirgigo. The project is undertaken by a Chinese company - CFECO.
These stations are crucial as they serve several major cities and surrounding rural areas. Mining projects in the country have their own off-grid hybrid power generator systems.
The corporation plans to add 132 MW to the current capacity of 151.1 MW by installing three (3) new engines, each with an 8 MW capacity, at the Beleza power plant and rehabilitating the Hirgigo power plant.
In addition, a new 30 MW grid-connected Solar PV power plant project in Dekemhare has been initiated earlier this year and is expected to be commissioned within 24 months. The contract for this project has been awarded to Shanxi Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd, another Chinese company.
SFECO will soon complete the rehabilitation project at the Hirgigo Power Plant. It involves overhauling four (4) generating engine sets and rehabilitating common facilities such as compressors, boilers, a desalination plant, and seawater pumps to maximize its production capacity.
These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the plant’s efficiency and reliability, ensuring a more stable power supply for the regions it serves.
These efforts by the Eritrean government reflect a broader commitment to improving infrastructure and meeting the growing energy demands of its population.
By investing in the modernization and expansion of its power plants, Eritrea aims to provide a more reliable and sustainable electric supply, which is essential for the country’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
Once the projects at the Beleza and Hirgigo power stations are completed in the coming weeks, the existing intermittent power outage are expected to come to an end. [TN]
ASMARA — Efforts to enhance the production capacity at Beleza's main station are proving successful, as the expansion project nears completion. The project is expected to fully RESOLVE the electricity shortage in the capital and surrounding areas. #Eritrea https://t.co/H5JEfRS7yx
— ⓉⓃ (@tesfanews) July 10, 2024