Addressing Load Shedding with Wabtec Gen Sets
Base Load Power for Zondereinde Mine Case Study
Zondereinde Mine, a prominent platinum producer in Thabazimbi, South Africa, required robust power generation solutions to counter the challenges of Eskom load shedding and ensure uninterrupted operations. USP&E delivered six surplus Wabtec GE16V250 generator sets, supplying 25MW of reliable diesel-fired base load power. With full auxiliary packaging, servicing, and delivery, this case study highlights USP&E’s expertise in addressing complex energy challenges for large-scale industrial projects.
Background
Powering Precious Metals Extraction at Zondereinde Mine
The Zondereinde Mine, located near Thabazimbi, is a long-life operation extracting UG2 and Merensky ore to produce around 300,000 ounces of refined 4E PGMs annually from its own operations.
Challenges
Overcoming Energy and Operational Challenges in Northam
Challenges at Zondereinde Mine include safety in underground operations, environmental management, efficient ore extraction, logistics, regulatory compliance, community relations, and financial risk mitigation, compounded by its remote location near Thabazimbi. Eskom load shedding poses serious risk to industry across South Africa.
Solution
Deploying Wabtec Generators for Reliable Power Generation
NPL purchased 6 x zero hour surplus Wabtec GE16V250 generator sets complete with auxiliaries and packaged, serviced, and delivered to the NPL Zonereinde Mine site, supplying 25MW of diesel-fired base load power generation for operations support during frequent Eskom load shedding events. USP&E is the authorised sales and O&M partner for Wabtec (USA) and was selected to supply spare parts as well.
Outcome / Testimonial
On-Time Delivery of Diesel-Fired Base Load Power
With tremendous support from our partners at AIS and SDE, as well as our in-house logistics and project management teams, the project was delivered on time and on budget.