Energy

IPT PowerTech on-site power for telecom sites

Delivering cleaner power to remote telecom sites in Africa (Image source: IFC)

IPT PowerTech has secured investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand clean on-site power for telecom networks in Ethiopia, Liberia and Sierra Leone

The funds will support the modernisation, operation and maintenance of 2,235 telecom sites across the three countries, more than 90% of which are located in off‑grid or weak‑grid locations.

“This agreement with IFC reflects a shared vision for a greener telecom industry,” said Nabil Haddad, CEO of IPT PowerTech Group, a company based in Lebanon.

“It empowers IPT PowerTech to scale its innovative energy platforms and deliver measurable environmental and operational impact across our global footprint.”

With new solar and battery systems powering most of the sites, mobile networks will experience fewer outages, improved service quality, and reduced reliance on diesel generators, an IFC statement noted.

By improving the quality and stability of on-site power to telecom towers, the initiative will strengthen coverage and ensure households, schools, health centres and small businesses can rely on more consistent digital services.

It will also bring with it cost savings. Optimising the energy mix is estimated to reduce power costs for operators by up to 30% in Liberia, 26% in Sierra Leone, and 52% in Ethiopia, the IFC statement added.

“Reliable and affordable power for telecom networks is a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation,” said Nathalie Kouassi-Akon, IFC division director, West Africa Gulf of Guinea.

“Through this partnership with IPT PowerTech, we are supporting a scalable, private sector-led solution that enables mobile operators to extend coverage, improve service quality, and reach underserved and fragile communities more sustainably.”

To enable the expansion, IFC is providing a US$45mn corporate financing package consisting of an A‑Loan of US$27mn and US$18mn in blended finance from the Canada‑IFC Blended Climate Finance Program and the IDA20 Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility.

It marks IFC’s first direct infrastructure engagement in Liberia in a decade and in Sierra Leone in six years and will help scale solar‑ and battery‑based power systems that reduce reliance on diesel and support greener, more resilient telecom networks.

“This investment demonstrates how innovative InfraTech solutions can simultaneously strengthen connectivity, reduce emissions, and unlock economic opportunity at scale,” said Kouassi-Akon.

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ENGIE secures landmark 900 MW Egypt wind power deal

ENGIE secures PPA for 900 MW wind farm in Egypt

ENGIE has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for a 900 MW onshore wind project to be developed near Ras Shokeir

The project will follow a 25-year Build-Own-Operate model, ensuring stable and predictable revenues over the contract period.

The development will be undertaken by a consortium consisting of ENGIE with a 35% stake, Orascom Construction holding 25%, and Aeolus with 40%. Orascom Construction will also be responsible for executing all civil and electrical balance of plant works, along with supplying selected locally sourced components. Aeolus operates as an African renewable energy independent power producer platform backed by Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

With the PPA now in place, financial close is anticipated in early Q3 2026. Delivery of the first wind turbines is expected by the end of 2026. Given the scale of the project, commissioning will take place in stages, with the initial 300 MW planned to be operational by December 2027, followed by full commissioning of the 900 MW facility by mid 2028.

Upon completion, the development will represent ENGIE’s largest onshore wind installation globally, exceeding the capacity of its Assurua wind complex in Brazil, which stands at 846 MW. It will also mark the company’s third wind project in Egypt, bringing its total installed wind capacity in the country to nearly 2 GW. The initiative builds on the consortium’s proven experience, having already delivered two BOO wind farms in Egypt, Red Sea Wind Energy (650 MW) and Ras Ghareb (262.5 MW), with a combined capacity of 912.5 MW, both completed ahead of schedule and below budget.

This project further underscores ENGIE’s long term commitment to supporting Egypt’s energy transition and advancing large scale renewable energy deployment in collaboration with government stakeholders and international partners.

Paulo Almirante, ENGIE senior executive vice-president in charge of renewable & flexible power, said, “This project marks a new milestone for ENGIE in Egypt and confirms the confidence of our long-term partners in our ability to deliver largescale renewable assets. With this 900 MW wind farm, our largest onshore project worldwide, we are reinforcing our role in Egypt’s energy transition while accelerating growth in a key market for the Group.”

Perkins boosts engine life in Africa

Perkins 4000 Series diesel engine overhaul kits for power generation applications (Image source: Perkins)

Perkins has released new, simplified overhaul kits designed to keep the full range of Perkins 4000 Series diesel engines performing at their best

The company's 4000 Series engines provide power for gensets across Africa and in other global markets.

The new kits, which can be used on all 4000 Series diesel engines, including 6- and 8-cylinder inline models, as well as 12- and 16-cylinder vee configurations, are intended to maximise engine working life.

“Perkins engines are built for the long haul, offering industry-leading performance, reliability, durability and value,” said Matt Burton, senior product lifecycle manager.

“Our new overhaul kits for the full diesel range of Perkins 4000 Series engines allow equipment owners to select the precise mix of components they need to revitalise their engines and achieve even greater returns on their investments.”

The new overhaul kits deliver the factory fit and performance of genuine Perkins parts, simplify ordering with a single part number, and provide peace of mind with a 12-month standard Perkins warranty. By including only the necessary components, they also help customers avoid unnecessary waste and expense.

Available now from Perkins distributors worldwide, each modular kit contains the latest specification genuine Perkins parts, manufactured to fit specific engines and restore them to optimal working condition, improving compression, efficiency, power and fuel economy.

Various kits have been developed to support servicing requirements typically carried out every 15,000 hours.

Copper kits are designed for single cylinder head overhauls:

Top gasket kit: Includes the head gasket (combustion ring), exhaust and induction gaskets, rocker box gasket, rocker cover gasket, and seals. Typically used during cylinder head overhauls at 15,000-hour intervals.

Valvetrain kit: Includes valves, guides, seats, springs, injector tube, injector washer, and seals. Typically used during cylinder head overhauls and servicing at 15,000-hour intervals.

Silver kits are designed for single cylinder overhauls:

Includes piston, piston rings, cylinder liner, gaskets and seals, and conrod bolts. These are intended for major overhaul inspections typically required every 15,000 hours.

“The kits are ideal for both single and multiple cylinder overhauls, ensuring greater stock availability compared with complete overhaul solutions,” added Burton.

“We can help specify kits depending on the required service, including head replacement, head overhaul, single cylinder overhaul, either full replacement or ‘re-ring’, and full bottom-end overhaul, providing flexibility and convenience for engine overhaul needs.”

Perkins has also introduced a range of gasket kits, including inspection door seals, oil cooler seals, and additional gaskets for 4012 and 4016 engines.

As many components are shared across different engine models, a relatively small inventory can support a wide range of engines.

Perkins 4000 Series engines are also widely used in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America.

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Mauritania on-site power for Into Africa Procurement

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.”

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Booyco Engineering expands global defence HVAC solutions amid demand

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.