Adequate power will power up projects sector

Africa has to switch the lights on if it wants to continue growing the project sector. “Power is probably the biggest driver of projects on the continent,” said Lars Greiner, materials management HOD for WorleyParsons TWP. “Every project involves power, be it a mine or a hotel being constructed or infrastructure improvements taking place. Without power projects come to a complete standstill.” Greiner said in Africa having diesel or other heavy fuel transformers on site was a reality, but it was often a logistical nightmare as it involved the transport and movement of large volumes of fuel. “At least 25 countries on the continent face an energy crisis of some sort as energy development has just not kept pace with the demands on the continent. At the same time GDP is rising but power generation capacity has to be in line with that,” said Greiner. “Unless we are able to turn the power situation around projects will be negatively affected in the long run.” Pramod Bagalwadi, country manager for DHL in Ghana, said the matter was further compounded by a lack of road, rail and port infrastructure. “That is without the problems that one has with customs and clearing cargo into Africa. What makes matters worse is that each country has its own methods of operating and they often differ significantly from other countries.” For Hendriette Theron, global business development officer Europe/Africa for BBC Chartering, reliable energy benefits everyone on the continent – from the general consumer to the government to the business sector. “It means economic growth in the long run,” she said. “At the same time one has to stress that energy has to be made affordable as well because if you don’t have industries that can afford the energy they will close down.” INSERT & CAPTION At least 25 countries on the continent face an energy crisis of some sort as energy development has just not kept pace with the demands on the continent. – Lars Greiner