Turkish company Karpowership, renowned for its floating electricity plants, is set to embark on a significant expansion initiative across Africa, aiming to nearly double its power capacity within the next five years.
It may be noted that currently it is operational in eight African nations and has further plans to extend its footprint to an additional 15 countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and Angola.
Zeynep Harezi, Chief Commercial Officer of Karpowership, expressed confidence in the imminent completion of the construction process for their ships produced in Turkish shipyards. This advancement is expected to facilitate quicker solutions for countries facing electricity shortages. The company presently boasts 36 ships with an installed capacity of 6,000 megawatts and an active construction pipeline.
Over the next three to five years, CEO expects to reach a capacity of 10,000 megawatts through a fleet expansion to 50 ships. Harezi highlighted the company’s growing commitment to solar power, emphasizing increased investments in this renewable energy sector.
Karpowership, started in 1998, has experienced rapid growth in Africa, addressing the continent’s need for sustainable and dependable power sources. Despite this success, the expansion journey has encountered challenges. Recently, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. announced the termination of grid access for Karpowership due to the company’s failure to meet a December 31 deadline for completing financial arrangements.
It is a known fact that the nation faces disputes over energy bills in financially strained African countries have also posed challenges. As per reports, Karpowership temporarily halted electricity supply to Guinea-Bissau last year over an unpaid $15 million bill, and Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, faced power cuts in a similar context.
However, Karpowership is moving ahead with the ambitious plans for expansion and increased reliance on solar power that underscore the company’s commitment to contributing to Africa’s energy landscape while addressing the region’s unique power challenges.
