Ensuring optimal functionality of thermal power plants

Despite presidential directives, the Minister of Energy, Jirama, and the Jovena company have provided explanations regarding the ongoing load shedding. According to Jirama’s CEO, the head of state’s orders will be implemented within a week.

Ron Weiss, Jirama’s CEO, confirmed a reduction in load shedding during a press briefing at the Ambohimanambola power production site yesterday. « The goals set by the President of the Republic will be achieved in less than a week », he stated. Weiss attributes this improvement to consistent supplies of heavy fuel oil for the thermal power plants, primarily located in Ambohimanambola.

Jean-Baptiste Olivier, the Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, highlighted the importance of maintaining the optimal functionality of thermal power plants in the Antananarivo Interconnected Network (RIA), which requires delivery of between 16 and 20 trucks carrying a total of 450,000 liters. During a recent visit to Ambohimanambola, President Andry Rajoelina mandated that all RIA thermal power plants operate at full capacity to boost electricity production and reduce load shedding by as much as 80 %. Although the decision involves significant costs, the government has committed to paying 300 million ariary (approximately 65,000 USD) daily to operate the two 30-megawatt combustion turbines.

The three officials present at the press briefing yesterday explained that the prolonged load shedding is due to a delay in heavy fuel oil supplies, exacerbated by the closure of the fuel depot in Toamasina on November 1 and 2. Consequently, five trucks delivered heavy fuel oil on Sunday, followed by eight on Monday.