Energy

Containerised power solutions for Mauritania. (Image source: Big Box Procurement)

South Africa’s Big Box Containers has completed an assignment that will provide dependable power supplies in Mauritania

“We recently completed a fully fitted six-metre genset container for Into Africa Procurement, designed specifically for export and deployment in Mauritania,” it noted in a statement posted on its social media.

“This project reflects our commitment to quality fabrication, precision engineering and seamless logistics.”

Genset containers play a critical role in supporting mining, construction, infrastructure development and remote operations, it added.

Each unit must be robust, secure and capable of protecting high-value equipment while ensuring optimal ventilation, accessibility and safety compliance.

“This six-metre container was professionally modified and fitted to house a generator set securely, with careful attention to structural integrity, airflow management and operational functionality,” the company added.

“Every component was installed to meet project specifications, ensuring reliable performance from the moment it reaches the site.”

Once completed and tested, the unit was secured and dispatched, ready to support operations in Mauritania.

“Our streamlined process ensures that clients receive solutions that are not only built tough, but also shipped smart,” Big Box Containers added.

It said export projects require more than just strong fabrication; they demand meticulous preparation.

From structural reinforcement to secure loading and sea freight readiness, the container was prepared for international shipment with precision and care.

“At Big Box Containers, we understand that reliable power is the backbone of successful operations, especially in remote, industrial and large-scale project environments across Africa. That’s why we take pride in delivering durable, custom-engineered containerised solutions that are built to perform under demanding conditions.”

The statement added: “Big Box Containers continues to support infrastructure and industrial growth across Africa through innovative container conversions. Whether for power solutions, modular offices, accommodation units, storage facilities or specialised builds, we deliver tailored solutions designed for durability and efficiency.”

Read more:

New on-site power plant for Benin's Cotonou stadium

Nigeria on-site power delivered by Jubaili Bros

Trafo Power Solutions designs scalable mining infrastructure

Advanced HVAC solutions for demanding global defence projects. (Image source: Booyco Engineering)

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and increased defence spending worldwide, South Africa’s Booyco Engineering is strengthening its presence in the global defence sector with advanced industrial HVAC solutions tailored for highly specialised applications

The company has recently delivered complex cooling systems for radar jamming shelters as well as next-generation military amphibious vehicles. Grant Miller, executive director at Booyco Engineering, attributes this progress to the company’s extensive engineering expertise and established track record in delivering mission-critical HVAC technologies.

“We engineer our systems to suit the particular demands of complicated military equipment, designed for the harshest conditions while still meeting onerous specifications,” Miller says.

One notable project involves the integration of customised HVAC systems into hard-skinned radar jamming shelters manufactured in South Africa by ADG Mobility for export markets. These shelters, built on an ISO-container footprint, are designed to house sensitive electronic equipment, radar interference systems and ballistic protection capable of resisting light arms fire.

“This environment creates severe thermal and electromagnetic demands,” he explained. “Not only must the HVAC system maintain stable internal temperatures for both personnel and electronics, but it must do so while complying with rigorous electromagnetic interference (EMI) standards.”

To address these stringent requirements, Booyco Engineering developed its system in line with US military standard 461F, which governs electromagnetic interference in defence environments.

“When you are dealing with radar-related systems even small emissions can compromise performance - so the HVAC unit itself must be part of the protection strategy,” he said. “Acoustic considerations are also important, to ensure a quiet working environment; our system therefore operates at around 50 dB, significantly quieter than a typical office unit.”

The HVAC solution is engineered to operate under extreme temperature ranges, from as low as minus 40°C to as high as 55°C. It delivers a cooling capacity of up to 9 kW and heating of approximately 6,5 kW. In addition, the system is designed to withstand the intense shock and vibration associated with mobile military platforms, meeting both MIL-STD-810G and AECTP-400 standards.

“These shelters are mounted on military trucks that move over rough terrain, so the system must endure the same treatment,” Miller said. “It is not a plant room system; it has to survive real military deployment.”

Further enhancing its capability, the system incorporates chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) filtration alongside cyclonic dust filtration to perform in high-particulate environments. It also features integrated sensors, onboard carbon dioxide monitoring and advanced digital scroll compressors to maintain precise thermal control for sensitive equipment. Despite the complexity, the development timeline was notably accelerated.

“It has been a rapid development programme, made possible by the foundation of knowledge and experience Booyco Engineering has built up from previous systems engineering,” he said.

In another international project, Booyco Engineering is working with a Southeast Asian government to supply a specialised HVAC solution for a modern 8x8 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. This system is designed to function in temperatures ranging from minus 10°C to 49°C, while also incorporating CBRN filtration and enhanced environmental protection.

“The CBRN system protects occupants of the vehicle from harmful gases or chemical agents,” Miller explained. “The filtration activates and removes harmful particulates and gases through high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and carbon filters to protect both the crew and the vehicle’s electronics.”

The company’s long-standing relationship with this client, spanning nearly 15 years, has supported the development of systems capable of performing in extreme operational and climatic conditions. In amphibious environments, factors such as high humidity, salinity, rapid temperature changes and constant vibration present unique challenges for climate control systems. The current project includes the delivery of a full prototype along with several pre-production units for qualification testing.

Inside the new Benin power plant at Cotonou stadium. (Image source: CGM)

Benin has commissioned a new on-site power plant in the capital, Cotonou, to boost energy resilience at its flagship sports stadium

The 3 MVA power plant consists of two CGM 1500P generator sets equipped with Perkins Engines Company Limited engines, Mecc Alte alternators and ComAp Group control units IGEN1000+IV.

In a statement posted on its social media, Italy’s CGM said the project sits inside the capital’s Cotonou stadium and would serve a retail complex inside.

“The system features generators with 400 V output, combined with step-up transformers to 11 kV, with the entire installation protected by medium-voltage switchgear, ensuring high standards of safety and reliability,” the statement read.

The CGM statement added that it was a solution designed to deliver efficiency, reliability, and energy continuity, even for the most demanding applications.

“The project was developed to provide emergency power supply for a new shopping centre located inside the Cotonou stadium in Benin" the post noted.

"In the event of a grid outage, the power plant will start automatically, guaranteeing continuity of power to all installations.”

CGM also highlighted the role of various other key partners involved in the operation such as La Roche Benin, Hitech-ITB Bénin and Helios Engineering Group.

Venus secures EGP 70mn financing from Banque Misr to expand Cairo 3A off-grid hybrid power project supporting poultry operations

The new financing will be used to scale up the project’s energy infrastructure, with a focus on strengthening sustainable power solutions and maintaining uninterrupted, high-efficiency operations. The expansion is particularly important for energy-intensive agricultural activities that operate in areas beyond the reach of conventional electricity grids.

Cairo 3A is an off-grid energy initiative serving the poultry sector, providing reliable and integrated power systems to support large-scale farming operations. The project uses a hybrid generation model that combines solar PV, battery storage and gensets. This approach helps improve operational resilience while reducing reliance on traditional fuel-based electricity generation.

The first phase of the project, launched in 2020, delivered a contracted capacity of 3 MVA along with 2.5 MWp of solar generation. As the farm has expanded and its energy requirements have grown, a second phase is now being implemented. Scheduled for completion in 2026, this phase will increase the total capacity to 5.5 MVA and solar generation to 4.5 MWp, representing an 83% increase compared with the initial phase.

Karm Holding stated that the additional financing represents an important milestone in its growth strategy and highlights the strength of its partnership with Egypt’s banking sector. The company reaffirmed its commitment to delivering projects that meet high standards of efficiency and sustainability, while supporting Egypt’s broader transition toward a more resilient and sustainable economy.