Banjul,
The Gambia– Karpowership has been connected to The Gambia’s national grid since
May 2018 and been providing reliable and affordable electricity since first day
of operation. Karadeniz Powership Koray Bey, with its 36 MW has helped to
significantly reduce the electricity supply gap in the country.
Powerships
are barge or self-propelled ships, mounted with floating power plants,
delivering the most reliable power supply solution with an optimum cost. With
wide ranges of installed capacities for utility size operations and no
completion or construction risk, Powerships are ready for power production
within a short period of time. They are built utilizing the latest dual fuel
engine technology, having the ability to operate both on Heavy Fuel Oil and
Natural Gas. Fuel flexibility ensures the lowest cost of delivered power and
maximum efficiency with no capital required from the country in need of
electricity.
Karpowership
was selected by NAWEC among many competitors, through a competitive bidding
process, as the proposal with better price and superior commercial offerings.
The
company has a proven track record of supplying sustainable, reliable, and
affordable electricity with all its Powerships. Currently, with the decrease in
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO); the total cost of electricity for the good people of The
Gambia is lower than 11.65 US cents per kilowatt hour as of today. With this price,
Powership is the most affordable source of electricity in The Gambia.
The
Powership, is currently operating with low Sulphur Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to
generate electricity but thanks to its hybrid operational ability, it can
convert to natural gas when available, ensuring additional cost savings for The
Gambia. Karpowership is ready to support the investments in transmission and
distribution network when needed; with the mission of increasing access to
electricity in the country.
Since
the arrival of Karpowership, there has been a tremendous and significant
improvement in available electricity supply in The Gambia. NAWEC has seen a
substantial positive change in all the challenges prior to the Powership
project. Power supply has become more stable and uninterrupted. Load shedding
has been virtually eliminated contributing to the dynamics of the business
operations in general and household life.
In
its efforts to expand its operations and provide an efficient and
cost-effective electricity supply generally, Karpowership is currently working
with the Government of Mali for the operation of a gas fired power plant that
will be located in The Gambia. This
project has enormous economic advantages for The Gambia. Not only will it be an extra source of
foreign exchange for NAWEC that will be derived from the payments for the
location of the project site, but it will also generate employment and provide
affordable electricity supply that will come from the extra power generated
from a gas-fired generation of 400 MWs.
While
providing reliable and affordable electricity; Karpowership is also a socially
responsible company committed to the development of communities in which they
operate. With its operations in The Gambia, the company has been engaging in
social responsibility projects to further enhance the growth of the local
people and economy. Among some of the things Karpowership has done in 2019 are
donating rice, oil and other foods supplied to orphanages; providing fishing
equipment to fishermen, and supporting coastal cleanup efforts with the
National Environmental Agency.
The
role of Powership in the energy sector globally has provided an opportunity for
a more accessible, efficient and affordable solution to the challenges of power
supply; in emerging economies of the world.
Karpowership
is continuing to invest in the area and has recently deployed a 240 MW
Powership to Senegal as per the agreement signed in August 2019; and the
Powership became operational within 2 months of contract signing. The operation
in Senegal will switch to LNG within 6 months.
As
a key strategic partner, Karpowership is committed to The Gambia’s development
and will continue to provide all Gambians with sustainable, reliable, and
affordable electricity.
