Successful start-up of the medium-speed generator set marks a key milestone in project development
Recently, the Phase I of the Simandou EPC3 Mine 24 MW Power Plant Project in Guinea, in which Shandong Superwatt Power Tech Co., Ltd. (SWT) is participating, successfully achieved its first ignition.
The successful start-up and stable operation of the first medium-speed diesel generator set marks the project’s entry into a critical stage of unit commissioning, grid-connected system integration and trial operation.
This milestone follows a series of major project activities, including equipment manufacturing, system integration, international transportation and on-site installation, laying a solid foundation for subsequent commissioning and the overall operation of the power plant.
Reliable Power for the Simandou Mining Project
Located in Guinea, the Simandou Mine is a major mining development project. Its construction and future operations place high requirements on the continuity, stability and reliability of the power supply system.
To support the power requirements of Phase I, a medium-speed diesel power plant with a design capacity of 24 MW has been developed. The plant is equipped with six CMP-MAN 9L32/40 medium-speed generator sets, each rated at 4,347 kW, with a generator output voltage of 10.5 kV.
Future expansion requirements of the mine were also taken into consideration during the system design stage, with provisions made for subsequent expansion of the power plant capacity.
Medium-Speed Generator Sets and Complete Auxiliary Systems
Compared with conventional diesel generator projects, large-scale medium-speed power plants involve more complex systems and multidisciplinary engineering interfaces.
With CMP-MAN medium-speed engines at the core of the Simandou project, SWT has carried out systematic engineering and integration covering the generator sets, fuel system, lubricating oil system, cooling system, intake and exhaust systems, control and electrical systems, and black-start system.
The project currently uses diesel as its fuel, while the overall technical solution also considers the potential application of other fuels in the future, providing greater flexibility for long-term mine operations and energy optimization.
Through modular and systematic engineering, SWT integrates key auxiliary systems to reduce overseas on-site construction work while improving installation, commissioning and long-term maintenance efficiency.
First Ignition Marks a Critical Commissioning Stage
Large overseas power plant projects involve multiple stages before commercial operation, including equipment manufacturing, factory testing, international transportation, on-site installation, individual unit commissioning and integrated system commissioning.
For mining projects in particular, equipment logistics, construction organization, site conditions and coordination among multiple engineering disciplines place higher demands on project execution.
The successful ignition of the first unit represents an important stage of verification for the engine and its associated auxiliary systems.
The project team will continue with generator set performance commissioning, electrical system testing, control system integration and multi-unit system commissioning, progressively completing the remaining commissioning activities in preparation for the power plant’s operation.
From Generator Sets to Large-Scale Power Plant Solutions
The Simandou project represents another important step in SWT’s continued development in the international medium-speed power plant market.
In recent years, SWT has expanded its capabilities beyond generator set manufacturing to include power plant system design, equipment integration, project implementation, installation and commissioning, and lifecycle services.
For mines, industrial parks, power grids, oil and gas fields, islands and other applications, SWT provides integrated power solutions based on diesel, heavy fuel oil, gas and hybrid renewable energy technologies.
In the medium-speed power plant sector, SWT continues to strengthen its engineering capabilities across fuel, lubricating oil, cooling, intake and exhaust, electrical control and black-start systems to meet the requirements of large overseas power projects for reliability, economy and maintainability.
Supporting Mining Development in Africa with Reliable Power
Africa is rich in mineral resources, while many large mining areas are located far from established power grids. Reliable captive power systems therefore play an important role in supporting mine construction and continuous production.
From the Simandou mining project in Guinea to large heavy fuel oil power plant projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, SWT continues to build its engineering experience through large-scale medium-speed power projects across Africa.
The successful first ignition of the Simandou EPC3 Mine 24 MW Power Plant marks an important milestone in the project and demonstrates SWT’s capabilities in large-scale medium-speed power plant system integration and overseas project execution.
