A containerised genset can keep the lights on. A gas turbine power station keeps a mine’s mill turning, an industrial zone growing and a data campus coming online in phases. Buyers who purchase engines only often rediscover that switchgear, fuel systems, protection and O&M decide whether a plant actually works.
Architectures that fit African duty
Simple-cycle modular blocks
Fast COD and phased growth, including future FX-45 blocks from 2028.
Aeroderivative and mobile
Bridge power and relocatable industrial duty.
Industrial frame fleets
Long continuous duty where gas supply is firm.
Hybrid
Thermal plus solar and storage to cut fuel use without losing firm capacity.
Island and weak grid
Protection, black-start and load management built for unstable grids.
Combined cycle
Higher output from the same fuel where steam cycles make sense, such as FX-45 in a 2×1.
Fuel options include pipeline gas, LNG or CNG where logistics allow, dual-fuel and liquid-fuel start. Most of Africa runs at 50 Hz, and every station is engineered for the heat and altitude at its site.
EPC in high-challenge markets
Compressed schedules, modular packages and loads that punish delays are normal on African projects. In-house construction oversight and QA/QC matter where local contractor depth varies. Procurement draws on USP&E inventory of new and surplus turbines and engines, and we choose brands for local serviceability.
O&M: local capability, not permanent fly-in
USP&E delivers round-the-clock operations, planned maintenance, condition monitoring, overhauls, spares and training. Our African teams in Johannesburg and Cape Town are backed by 400+ engineers and project managers, so local crews are supported, not replaced.
What to bring to the first conversation
- Target capacity and load profile: base, peak and duty cycle.
- Fuel availability and quality, and any dual-fuel needs.
- Altitude, ambient temperature, dust, water and security constraints.
- Grid code or island operation, 50 or 60 Hz.
- Phasing and redundancy approach.
- Local content, training and O&M staffing expectations.
Proof from recent work
Mining · Mali
Barrick Gold, Loulo-Gounkoto
USP&E refurbished the 104 MW power station, rebuilding more than 80 MW of Caterpillar CM32 engines and adding new zero-hour capacity.
Gas turbines · Saudi Arabia
NEOM
USP&E supplied three zero-hour Siemens SGT-400 gas turbines.
Data centres · USA
Major US hyperscale developers
USP&E refurbished 7 GE Frame 6Bs to zero hours in-house for major US hyperscale developers.
Why owners choose USP&E
USP&E is a full-service engineering, EPC and O&M company, not a broker. One team designs, builds and runs your plant, so nothing falls between contracts.
Next steps
- Search inventory for candidate turbines and gensets.
- Engage EPC & O&M for the station scope.
- Plan near-term units and later FX-45 modular slots.
- Watch USP&E films and download brochures.
Common questions
Who builds gas turbine power stations in Africa?
USP&E designs, builds and operates gas turbine power stations across Africa as a full-service engineering, EPC and O&M company, with offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
How do FX-45 and available inventory work together?
Available units energise your first phase; FX-45 adds standard 45 MW blocks (108 MW in a 2×1 combined cycle) from 2028, under the same team.
Can a station start before gas arrives?
Yes, with dual-fuel turbines or a liquid-fuel bridge planned into the design.
Facing a power challenge in Africa?
Tell us your load, fuel and timeline. An engineer will come back with options, not a sales pitch.