K&M served as technical and financial consultant to the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on privatization opportunities, alternative energy sources, and diversification of the sugar industries in Mauritius, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. K&M evaluated the technical and economic feasibility of diversifying sugarcane industry operations with emphasis on the production of fuel alcohol and electricity. Particular attention was given to prospects for the introduction of US developed technologies and services in cane energy-related areas, especially for projects that were already in the planning stages (issues addressed: co-generation systems, project finance and development). K&M prepared a report on the highlights and findings of this mission which included recommendations for future action and identifications of project specific opportunities for potential involvement of the US private sector.

K&M was selected by the Government of Mauritius (GOM), represented by the Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU) and Central Electricity Board, to conduct a USTDA-funded feasibility and market study for a proposed greenfield 100 MW thermal power plant, the country’s first private power project to be developed and implemented as an IPP on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) basis. K&M evaluated the technical, commercial and financial components of the project, assisted in selection of the project site, appropriate technology, optimal size, fuel source and associated transmission requirements. K&M evaluated three technologies (combined cycle with residual fuel oil, diesel engines with residual fuel oil, and a coal-fired Rankine steam cycle plant). Coal and residual fuel oil were selected as the best candidate fuels. K&M developed a financial model for each plant configurations based on each technology. Also addressed were the technical, economic, environmental and financial issues involved in structuring the project. K&M performed a Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment as part of the assignment. K&M also developed project cost estimates and investigated financing options.