Overcoming challenges
Located in a remote area, the Pomalaa facility is not connected to a power transmission grid system. The power plant independently supplies power for all the facility’s mining and smelter needs. Initially, the site relied on two older diesel power plants with a combined output of 50 MW, primarily running on light fuel oil (LFO). These older plants were designated as standby units once the new power plant became operational.
The Pomalaa site operates three ferronickel smelters, processing large quantities of nickel ore. Consistent and reliable power is crucial to maintain the facility's annual production capacity of 26,000 tons of nickel. Managing load fluctuations is critical for this kind of applications.
Initial power plant setup with 11-year Operations and Maintenance (O&M) agreement
Wärtsilä was initially contracted in 2003 to supply a 102 MW diesel power plant under an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract. This plant consisted of six 17 MWe generating sets, powered by Wärtsilä 18V46 diesel engines, capable of running on heavy fuel oil with the option for future conversion to natural gas. This flexibility was a key factor in selecting Wärtsilä.
The first three generating sets were handed over in 14 months, in January 2005, and the other three were handed over shortly after, in April 2005. The new power plant supplied power to all three ferronickel smelters.
In June 2004, Antam gave Wärtsilä the responsibility of operating and maintaining its power production operation at Pomalaa. The eleven-year operations and maintenance (O&M) contract also covered the mine’s existing 50 MW power plant, which was repurposed for standby and peaking operations. Wärtsilä's O&M services included 24/365 operational responsibility and performance guarantees covering availability, power output, fuel consumption, and environmental control, allowing Antam to focus on its core business.
“We appreciate the ongoing support that Wärtsilä has delivered since the power plant was commissioned. This support is provided with both remote monitoring and onsite advisors, and it ensures that we have a reliable supply of energy, which is essential for us to reach our production targets,” Desryantho Tandi, Diesel Power Plant Manager at Antam.
Multi-fuel conversion and transitions to Guaranteed Asset Performance (GAP) agreement
In 2016, the plant's engines were converted to multi-fuel operation, enhancing efficiency, fuel flexibility, and reducing emissions. The upgraded 137 MW plant, operating with eight Wärtsilä 50DF multi-fuel engines ensures reliable power supply by utilising both heavy fuel oil and natural gas. The plant supplies 60% of the electrical energy needed at the Antam ferronickel mine and ore processing plant in Pomalaa.
In 2017, Wärtsilä and Antam transitioned to a Guaranteed Asset Performance (GAP) agreement, focusing on condition-based maintenance. This agreement leverages real-time operational data to provide tailored advice and recommendations, ensuring maximum availability and efficiency of the power plant.
In addition to remote monitoring, stationary Wärtsilä field personnel work with Antam in an advisory role. The GAP agreement also includes a full power management system (PMS) with spare parts supply for engines and auxiliaries. This collaboration ensures Antam benefits from the latest design and upgrade information, expert technical advisory, analysis and audits, as well as improvement recommendations for the installation.
The GAP agreement was renewed in June 2023, underscoring the trust and cooperation between the Wärtsilä and Antam.
