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Commissioning of generator and transformer control & protection panels at Ain Tsila gas field, Algeria

Ensuring reliable 95 MW power generation for uninterrupted gas processing in Algeria’s remote Sahara Desert.
  • Commissioning

Client

Commissioned

2023

Location

Ain Tsila gas field, Algeria

Scope

Commissioning Services

Industry

Captive Power Producers
Ain Tsila gas field which is located in the Illizi basin in the eastern part of the Sahara Desert in south-east Algeria, south of the Grand Erg Oriental. The field was discovered within the Périmètre Isarène (Blocks 228, 229a) in 2007 and has been appraised to hold approximately 65 billion cubic meters (2.29 trillion cubic feet) of recoverable hydrocarbon reserves. The field lies in the Sahara Desert, approximately 1,100km southeast of Algiers, 175km west of In Amenas, 175km northwest of Illizi, and 450km southeast of Hassi Messaoud. The Central Processing Facility (CPF) is designed to produce 10.3 MMSCMD sales gas.
Key Issues
The Ain Tsila Development Project, a crucial natural gas initiative located in Algeria’s Illizi Basin, faces the significant challenge of operating without a direct power supply from the national grid. To address this issue and ensure a reliable power source for its operations, the concerned authorities have decided to install an independent power plant to facilitate gas process plants. The total load of the power plant is based on 5×22.3MVA Gas turbine-driven generators, collectively providing approximate a substantial total capacity of 95 MW.
Solution

EPESOL was awarded by GE Grid Solutions with the commissioning of five generators, approximately 95 MW, for the Ain Tsila Development Project. EPESOL’s engineers play an integral role in conducting the cold and hot commissioning of generator and transformer protection systems, synchronization, and power source reliability tests. Over nearly one year, by providing extensive manpower to ensure a reliable power generation, enabling continuous gas extraction from the well and processing operations despite the absence of utility. This project highlights EPESOL’s technical expertise and dedication to overcoming challenges and ensuring operational self-sufficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ain Tsila Development Project’s strategic installation of five generators, with a total capacity of approximately 95 MW, effectively addresses the lack of grid power generation. By entrusting EPESOL with this crucial task, GE Grid Solutions ensured the provision of a reliable and efficient power source, supporting the project’s continuous and successful operation. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to overcoming logistical challenges and optimizing Algeria’s natural gas resources, thereby making a significant contribution to the country’s energy sector and economic growth.

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