El Biban Oil Field, Zarzis Tunisia
El Biban Oil Field, Zarzis Tunisia

navigation
El Biban Oil Field, Zarzis Tunisia
"We see this as a precedent setting project. Along with generating electricity, we are solving a major environmental problem by capturing flared gas and utilizing it for fuel - instead of expending it into the environment as pollution. Caterpillar was able to work closely and well with CME International, taking an ownership position in the project, as well as placing two solar turbine engines."
Terry R. Sears, Vice president Caterpillar Power Ventures

Opportunity:
The Tunisian government is committed to improving the economy in the southern part of the country, as well as clean up an environmental hazard from existing oil fields.
Challenge:
Developing, financing, and building the first independent power project in North Africa, while eliminating a major environmental hazard.
CME Solution:
The southern Tunisian region of Zarzis proves to be an excellent location for a 30MW cogeneration electric power plant that captures gas before flaring and burning it as fuel.
  • CME provided front-end analysis of economic, financial and technical viability.
  • Working closely with the Tunisian government, CME helped officials draft legislation that would enable private development to succeed.
  • CME created a develop team comprised of Caterpillar Power Ventures Corporation, which specializes in equity financing of electric power generation projects worldwide, and Centurion Energy, the owner of the oil wells.
  • The development team negotiated contracts that would hold up to the scrutiny of Western Banks, while paying full respect to the laws and processes of Tunisia.
  • In addition, CME tapped Caterpillar to supply solar generating turbines, act as the turnkey construction company, and operate the facility through a subsidiary.
Economic Benefits:
Serving all of southern Tunisia, the new power plant not only replaces electricity that would otherwise have been bought from Algeria, it also enables Tunisia to sell electricity into the Algerian grid.
Environmental Impact:
The plant captures waste gases from an oil field and converts the gas to electricity and heat.

The waste gases were a serious environmental hazard until captured for use as a fuel for conversion to electricity.

News:
Commercial Testing Begins For Tunisian Power Plant - First Independent Power Plant in North Africa.
May 13, 2003
 

Project Name: Societe D Electricite El Bibane S.A. (SEEB)
Relationships: Caterpillar Power Ventures International, Centurion Energy
Plant Type: Natural gas fired electric power plant
Output: 30 MW

CME energy