The gas-fired Avon Peaking Power facility in the KwaZulu-Natal province, along with its sister plant, the Dedisa facility in Port Elizabeth, has reached commercial operation, adding 670 MW of power to the South African national grid
In a boost for the South African gas industry, the open cycle gas turbine plant is made up of four units and it promises to play an important role in South Africa's ongoing economic development. The plant is jointly owned by Engie, black-majority owned Legend Power Solutions, Mitsui and the Peakers Trust, which represents the local community.
It is set to play a leading role in South Africa's ongoing gas-to-power development plans and the plant layout allows for flexibility in regard to future conversion with gas-fired technology. Construction began on the plant in April 2014 with a consortium of Ansaldo Energia SpA and Fata SpA as the turnkey EPC contractor, with Group 5 as the main subcontractor. Going forward, the operation of this plan will create permanent direct and indirect jobs for the local community.
