Phase 1 of ESBI South African project completed

ESB International (ESBI) has successfully completed a €3.5 million contract for Eskom, the South African electricity company, to provide engineering consultancy services in the construction of the two new power plants.

These two facilities are the first new major power plants to be built in South Africa in nearly 20 years and the official opening took place on Monday, October 1st.

ESBI acted as the lead technical advisor and project manager in the construction of the 1,000 megawatts open-cycle gas turbine power plants at Cape Town and Mossel Bay in the western Cape. As project manager, ESBI played a significant role in fast tracking the implementation of this high profile project, which is considered a critical capacity addition for South Africa.

Michael McNicholas, Executive Director ESBI said, "This is one of the most significant energy projects undertaken in South Africa in recent times, it will provide much needed security of supply and support the strong economic growth in the country. We are proud of the contribution we have made to this very challenging project and of our ability to deliver on time and in budget for the client. The project further confirms ESBI's standing in the international power arena and recognises the diversity of our capabilities and expertise".

Construction of a second phase, involving the installation of a further 1,000 megawatts of production capacity at these facilities is now underway and scheduled for completion in early 2009. ESBI has been retained to advise and project manage this second phase. It currently has a team of consultants in Johannesburg and Cape Town carrying out this work.