Egoli Gas - New Generation Power Sources

New generation energy sources

Leading the world in clean energy is tri-generation. The system is able to produce three types of energy: electricity, heating and cooling at the same time, resulting in power, hot water, space heating and air conditioning - all from one energy source. Tri-generation facilities retain the heat that is lost from a generator that produces electricity and reuses it to create hot and cold water. An absorption chiller keeps the water at low enough temperatures for reuse as air conditioning.

The result: an energy saving up to 45% compared to traditional electricity generation.

BENEFITS OF TRI-GENERATION

Reduces the emission of pollutants
Minimises your carbon footprint
Better use of fossil fuels
More usable energy, less wastage
Cuts peak electrical loads
Tri-generation systems translate into substantial energy and pollution saving

Case Study: MTN Tri-generation Project, South Africa

Profile

National power shortages and the potential risk of carbon taxes on energy consumption presented a challenge of maintaining operations reliably and cost-effectively. MTN South Africa took the initiative to generate a self-sustaining power supply initiative at its head-office, and off-set carbon emissions.

The Solution

The company prepared to develop a 2-megawatt (MW), methane-driven tri-generation power plant, the first of its kind on the African continent, which simultaneously produces electricity, heat, and chilled water.

Its journey to the MTN Campus at 14th Avenue in Fairlands, Johannesburg, covers a distance of 874kms, from the Mozambique coast via Secunda and Sasol to Egoli Gas. A grid at the MTN Campus is connected to Egoli Gas to transport the gas down a pipeline to the tri-generation plant.

Methane, a clean-burning, sustainable natural gas with a reliable and consistent supply, is burnt to generate electricity. This energy is used to power some of MTN South Africa's data and switching centres and server rooms. Heat that is generated as a by-product of the process is sent through lithium bromide absorption chillers, which cool water, which is then used for the cooling air for electronic equipment, as well as for office air-conditioning needs. Through second re-absorption cycle, the plant produces a further 800kW free cooling through the head office campus.

The Result

85% efficiencies have helped reduce both costs and greenhouse gas emissions
Waste water from the process is utilised in bathroom facilities
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of over 17,500 tonnes per annum from carbon intensive electricity generation have also been avoided
Increased energy security in an energy constrained economy
No energy price increases
Reduced exposure to potential carbon taxes
Reduction of the Group carbon footprint
A consistent and reliable supply of energy

Source: www.mtn.com