Power Outage in Kisangani: 5-Day Maintenance Affects Hydroelectric Plant
In a recent press conference, the national electricity company (SNEL) announced a planned power outage lasting five days in Kisangani, starting on Sunday, February 9. This outage is due to maintenance work being carried out on the only functioning turbine at the Tshopo hydroelectric plant.
Jean-Claude Liandja, the Technical Director of SNEL/Kisangani, explained that the sole operational turbine is experiencing an issue that requires urgent intervention, necessitating its shutdown. As a result, Kisangani will be without electricity for up to five days, except in certain strategic areas that will be powered by generators located in SNEL substations.
The specific problem lies within the radiator responsible for cooling the oil that lubricates the turbine’s bearings and upper pivot. Liandja elaborated, stating, “Water has started to seep into the oil, causing contamination and improper lubrication, which could lead to machine failure.” Therefore, he emphasized the importance of halting operations temporarily to prevent a more severe and potentially catastrophic breakdown.
Despite the inconvenience caused by the outage, SNEL expressed confidence in the maintenance work being conducted at the hydroelectric plant. Liandja reassured the public, stating, “We have all the necessary resources, including spare parts. The damaged component has two backup parts available.” The planned power outage commenced on Sunday at 9 a.m.
While the news of the outage may not have surprised or alarmed the residents of Kisangani, who have grown accustomed to frequent breakdowns at the aging plant, the Tshopo hydroelectric facility, which has been in operation for over 60 years, consists of three turbines, one of which is completely non-functional. The second turbine is expected to be operational again by May or June, producing 5 megawatts of power, while the city’s demand exceeds 40 megawatts.
Expert Insights on Hydroelectric Maintenance Challenges
Challenges in Maintaining Aging Hydroelectric Infrastructure
Maintaining hydroelectric infrastructure poses unique challenges, especially when dealing with aging facilities like the Tshopo hydroelectric plant in Kisangani. According to industry experts, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent unexpected outages and ensure the reliable operation of these critical power generation assets.
Dr. Maria Chavez, a hydroelectric engineer with over two decades of experience, explains, “As hydroelectric plants age, components deteriorate, increasing the risk of mechanical failures. Routine inspections and timely repairs are essential to avoid costly breakdowns and extended outages.”
She emphasizes the importance of investing in modernization and upgrades to improve the efficiency and reliability of hydroelectric facilities, stating, “Upgrading outdated equipment and adopting advanced monitoring systems can help enhance the performance and lifespan of hydroelectric plants.”
Impact of Power Outages on Local Communities
The scheduled power outage in Kisangani highlights the significant impact that disruptions in electricity supply can have on local communities. Without access to electricity, residents are faced with challenges related to communication, healthcare, and daily activities.
Dr. Kwame Sowah, a social scientist specializing in energy access, notes, “Power outages can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, affecting vulnerable populations disproportionately. It is essential for authorities to ensure timely restoration of services and communicate effectively with residents to minimize the impact of outages.”
As communities navigate the temporary inconvenience caused by the power outage in Kisangani, the importance of reliable and resilient energy infrastructure becomes increasingly apparent. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, utility providers, and community stakeholders are essential to address the challenges of maintaining and upgrading critical energy assets for the benefit of all.