The Challenge
Loss of power due to accidental primary cables rupture and resume power in record time
A construction company carrying out excavations for the construction of a tunnel cut the 132 kV primary and secondary trunk cables of the Buenos Aires power distribution grid. This situation affected the more than 110,000 inhabitants of the Recoleta neighborhood in Buenos Aires, who suffered a disruption in the electricity service in homes, hospitals and stores. The installation of a power plant in the middle of the city was crucial.
This problematic situation had to be resolved in a matter of hours during a dense rainy night, in a climate of social tension fueled by the complaints of users, demanding the immediate restoration of the power service. There was also great pressure from the client and government agencies for the plant to be installed as soon as possible.
Key Facts
- 50 MW Installed in 36 hours
- 110,000 users affected
- 1,500 hours of operation
The Solution
50 MW installed and distributed in different streets of the neighborhood
With flawless execution we were able to mobilize all the equipment required to quickly restore the power to all affected users.
We managed to successfully install 40 generators distributed in the different streets of the neighborhood. 18 of them would be in continuous operation and the other 22 on standby to operate as backup in case of any eventuality.
In addition, we installed a 10 MW plant at 13 kV.
160 fuel loads were made for a total of 300 m3 supplied after 5 days. For 1,500 hours, each shift was attended by 20 operators, 4 maintenance technicians and 4 supervisors, who were in charge of the on-site operation. Another important group of technicians was monitoring remotely and supporting the project.
The Impact
In a short time, we helped Recoleta to recover its very unique magic
Aggreko’s solution allowed the more than 110,000 people who live in the Recoleta neighborhood to go back to normal and resume their activities without major issues.
Businesses would reopen their doors, theaters could present their plays and the visitors could return to enjoy the magic and architecture of this famous barrio porteño part of the heart of Buenos Aires.