Read in 

Choloma/Augsburg, 23 April 2004. Within a record time of 80 days, the MAN B&W Diesel Group have completed the first phase of the new “Choloma III” diesel power station in Honduras. The first five MAN B&W Diesel engines, with an output of 90 megawatts (MW), will deliver energy for the local power supply. In due course, a further eight engines will be installed to provide a total power output of 240 MW. The inauguration of the power station was attended by Honduras’ President Ricardo Maduro, who pointed out that commissioning of the power plant would finally stop the need for the import of expensive electricity and, therefore, make a considerable contribution to advancing Honduras’ progress. “The resulting savings will enable us to finance school lunches for some 800 000 children within the next five years, to employ 2000 policemen, 500 physicians, 1000 nurses and 1000 teachers”.

Dr. Stefan Spindler, Board Member of the MAN B&W Diesel Group, stated: “This project may become a model for closer collaboration between our countries.” Since the beginning of January, approx. 1000 workers and specialists had set up the power station within a record time of 80 days.

Like almost all Central American countries, Honduras suffers enormous water shortage. There is not enough water to generate electricity by means of hydropower. Therefore, the first phase of the power station, which has now been taken into operation, ensures “emergency capacity”. Order placement was subject to the condition that the new diesel engines would be able to supply electrical power of at least 80 MW only 80 days after delivery. MAN B&W Diesel was able to assure the customer that the first five engines would achieve this requirement.

The customer for the “Choloma III” project is the private EMCE / ENERSA who is now the leading electricity supplier in Honduras for the national ENEE energy agency. The total investment for EMCE amounts to approx. 165 million US Dollars.

“I would like to thank all who contributed to this great project which, as of today, will help to satisfy the electrical power requirements in Honduras”, said Dr. Spindler. He also mentioned that for the MAN B&W Diesel Group, this was an ambitious project, and the largest in the company’s history, which has been realised within the shortest possible time.

MAN B&W Diesel are already in discussions for a further two engine extension to the new power station. This will ensure increased independence and less reliance on electricity imports hence ensuring cost improvements to its customers.

See pictures