Released: 23rd October 2008
Aggreko wins "Best Fast-Track Power Project in Asia" Award
- The Asian Power Awards recognise outstanding achievements in
Asian power
- Aggreko was recognised for its 40 MW rental power plant at
Khulna, Bangladesh
- The power plant, delivered in just 130 days, is helping to
stabilise the local grid
Aggreko plc, the global leader in the provision of temporary
power and temperature control services, has been recognised for its
rapid response capability by the Asian Power Awards 2008, which
recognises special achievements to Asia’s power industry. The
awards, decided by an independent panel of judges, are organized by
the publishers of Asian Power magazine, Charlton Media Group.
Aggreko won the “Best Fast-Track Power Project in Asia” award
for the rapid design, installation and commissioning of the 40 MW
rental power package at the 132KV Goal Para substation, Khulna,
Bangladesh. Bangladesh, with its sandy, silty soil and high water
table, presents a very difficult environment in which to construct
a power plant. Site preparations were highly challenging, with the
site completely waterlogged at the start of the project. Aggreko
spent several weeks improving the site, placing specialized
membranes, flown in from Europe, on the ground before compacting in
order to improve the strength of soil and achieve load bearing
capacity.
That Aggreko was able to complete the project in such a short
time-frame is a testament to its ability to utilise its world-wide
network of depots in order to ensure project deadlines are met.
Equipment for the project was sourced from depots located in
Singapore, the UAE and Europe and then shipped to port in
Khulna.
Ian Rogers, Managing Director of Aggreko Asia, commented: “Grid
support is an area that Aggreko has a great deal of experience in
and with permanent bases across Asia, we are in a position to
respond rapidly and effectively to any power requirement in this
and neighbouring regions. This award is a recognition of Aggreko’s
rapid response capacity and highlights our position as global
leader in rental power.”
Background Information:
For the past several years, increased industrial development in
Bangladesh has caused a country-wide energy shortage. The Asian
Development Bank has highlighted the problem, stating that as of
January 2008, only one-third of households have access to
electricity and inadequate electricity supply has been a major
constraint to Bangladesh’s growth. Although the government has
embarked on an ambitious program to increase the capacity of the
national grid, the increasing power demands of the country have
resulted in a situation where load shedding is unavoidable and many
of the planned projects are still some time away from
completion.
In order to bridge the gap between the power needed and power
supplied in the short-term, the Bangladesh government tendered a
package of six contracts which were awarded to various power supply
companies. These contracts were intended to reduce the impact of
peak shaving on the country until more permanent capacity could be
added to the grid. However, due to the immediate shortage of power
in the country, it was of utmost importance that the companies
providing the power packages produce a fast-track solution. Aggreko
engineered, installed and commissioned its power package over three
months ahead of the other suppliers.
Editor’s Notes
Aggreko plc is the global leader in the rental of power,
temperature control and oil-free compressed air systems. Aggreko
provides 24/7 availability and service support with approximately
3000 employees operating from over 120 locations in 31 countries.
In 2007 we served customers in 100 countries, and had revenues of
approximately £700m (USD $1.4b or Euros €1b). Aggreko plc is listed
on the London Stock Exchange (AGK.L) and headquartered in Scotland.
For more information, please access the company website at
www.aggreko.com.