Owing to the requirement for technologically advanced systems on modern-day renewable-energy plants, in order to obtain every available kilowatt of power out of a plant and thereby ensure the utmost efficiency and the projects’ success, pumps, valves and related systems producer KSB Pumps & Valves is ready to assist independent power producers (IPPs) in the capacity of transfer technology partner in supplying pumps for renewable-energy plants, and to offer support for the ensuing decades.

KSB Pumps energy sector head Stefano Testi mentions that this is in line with its commitment to traditional power utilities, which the company has been supplying with products and servicing for more than half a century.

Testi comments that the company is eager to also play a leading role in the development of clean power alternatives. He adds that, as a leader in the supply of fluid transfer solutions to the global energy sector, the company wants to leverage its global expertise for the local industry.

“We have the ability to transfer knowledge and skills from across the globe in all forms of power generation, whether it be renewable energy or traditional forms, to our local manufacturing facility. We also invest in the technology required to procure and manufacture high-quality pumps locally. Not only will this support the local energy market, but it will also ensure that local content requirements are met with high-quality products,” he comments.

Moreover, Testi points out that, even in terms of nuclear power, the company is positioned to supply and support local efforts when they come to fruition.

He notes that the company is also in a position to provide expertise for other emerging power generation technologies, such as concentrated solar energy, which is becoming a viable solution for IPPs in South Africa, especially considering the amount of sunny days in Southern Africa.

Testi asserts that KSB Pumps & Valves’ products are being used in the renewableenergy market globally, supplying boiler feed water and heat transfer fluid, and auxiliary pumps for all applications, which are available in the different sizes and configurations required.

He highlights that API 610 eleventh edition standards are applied in the manufacture of KSB heat transfer fluid pumps and auxiliary pumps, which are locally manufactured, providing tested solutions for African conditions.

Further, Testi points out that another emerging market is using pumps as turbines. “With the support of KSB Group and local knowledge transfer, we will be in a better position to also offer energy recovery solutions in Africa.”

He emphasises that all the company’s pumps are manufactured to the highest KSB quality standards and conform to all applicable international standards.

“We have branches across Southern Africa, in West Africa and in East Africa, and have a long record of supporting our equipment anywhere within the sub-Saharan Africa region. No matter how big or small, we pride ourselves in taking care of our products in the field and have an enviable record when it comes to after-sales support – particularly in the energy sector,” he concludes.