Funded by a USTDA grant, Rev-Up Solar Ventures engaged Bates White, who subcontracted K&M Advisors to support a feasibility study for the development of a 200 MW Solar PV + Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) power plant in Solwezi, Zambia. The project aims to supply clean, reliable electricity to Zambia’s industry and households and potentially power two critical mineral mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This initiative addresses Zambia’s increasing energy demand and challenges in hydropower generation caused by climate change. The study will provide technical and financial recommendations to guide the project’s implementation, marking USTDA’s second BESS initiative in Zambia following a prior study in the Sesheke District.

K&M Advisors contributed extensively to the project by supporting the development of a detailed Work Plan, participating in the kick-off meeting and site visit in Zambia, and providing inputs for the Inception Report. K&M conducted a comprehensive Preliminary Grid Connection Study, assessed the project site, performed a Solar Resource and PV Yield Analysis, and developed the Battery Energy Storage Value Proposition with a Battery Dispatch Model and system sizing recommendations.

K&M reviewed Zambia’s regulatory framework, created a Regulatory Process Document, and prepared a Compliance Matrix to ensure regulatory alignment. The team provided strategic input on commercialization options for the project and completed the Project Preliminary Design Information along with a Full Grid Connection Study to evaluate technical integration into the national grid.

To support engineering design, K&M carried out topographical, geotechnical, and hydrological studies, including 10 borings to provide essential site data for EPC contractors. A thorough Technology Analysis of solar modules, inverters, battery storage systems, and trackers was completed, followed by the development of Basic Engineering Designs and Technical Specifications.

K&M developed a comprehensive financial model and provided detailed capital and O&M cost estimates to assess the project’s financial viability, utilizing commercial assumptions provided by Bates White. Additionally, K&M prepared a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for submission to ZEMA and identified potential U.S. manufacturers and suppliers for project equipment and services.

Lastly, K&M consolidated all findings into the project’s Final Report, covering all technical, financial, regulatory, and environmental aspects, ensuring a robust foundation for the successful development of the Solar PV + BESS power plant in Zambia.

K&M Advisors was engaged by the World Bank to develop a comprehensive framework aimed at facilitating private sector participation in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Kenya. This study supports the Government of Kenya (GoK) in advancing the country’s evolving energy landscape. With Kenya’s growing reliance on renewable energy sources—particularly geothermal, wind, and solar—the integration of utility-scale, grid-connected BESS is crucial for addressing grid stability, managing excess energy during periods of low demand, and increasing the overall share of renewable energy in the national grid. The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources has introduced challenges such as the need for load balancing and the provision of ancillary services to maintain consistent grid operations.

The primary objectives of this study are to develop a supportive policy, legal, and regulatory framework that encourages private investment in BESS and to assess best practices from other countries to inform Kenya’s strategy. The study involves identifying gaps within Kenya’s existing regulatory framework, exploring viable financing and ownership models, and evaluating the associated risks and mitigation strategies for private sector engagement in BESS projects. Additionally, the study aims to build capacity among government officials and key stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and management of BESS policies and projects.

Through this initiative, the study seeks to establish BESS as an essential element of Kenya’s grid infrastructure, promoting a reliable, sustainable, and flexible power system that aligns with the nation’s green energy goals.

K&M’s scope of work includes conducting a comprehensive review of Kenya’s electricity system, including its policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks related to private sector involvement in BESS. The team will benchmark Kenya’s practices against international standards, identify regulatory gaps, and recommend improvements. K&M will develop a tailored policy, legal, regulatory, and contractual framework to support BESS development and propose effective revenue models, such as payment mechanisms and tariff arrangements, while assessing their financial impacts. Additionally, K&M will perform a detailed risk analysis to evaluate, allocate, and manage risks between the public and private sectors and design appropriate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contractual structures. To ensure successful implementation, K&M will also deliver targeted capacity-building training for government agencies and stakeholders involved in Kenya’s energy sector.

The World Bank engaged K&M Advisors to assess the conceptual role and economic viability of Pumped Hydropower Storage (PHS) within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). The objective of the study was to identify and quantify the costs, benefits, and overall value of PHS in enhancing energy security, improving climate resilience, and supporting a low-carbon energy transition in the region. The findings from this assessment are intended to inform and guide policy decisions by SAPP member governments regarding the development and integration of PHS projects into their energy strategies. This effort supports the region’s broader goals of sustainable energy development and long-term reliability of power systems.

K&M Advisors executed a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the feasibility and strategic value of PHS in the SAPP region. The team began by conducting an extensive literature review of global and historical developments in PHS projects to understand best practices and technological advancements. Additionally, K&M reviewed Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs), power system development plans, recent power system modeling studies, and the SAPP Plan to assess the current and future energy landscape in the region.

To gain critical insights, K&M conducted stakeholder interviews with key SAPP utilities and institutions to identify regional energy challenges and opportunities where PHS could add value. The team evaluated how specific benefits of PHS, such as providing flexible energy services, supporting the integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources, improving energy security, and offering ancillary services, could directly address SAPP’s operational needs. Special attention was given to the interplay between PHS and VRE across diverse climate zones and weather dependencies in the region.

K&M also applied economic analysis principles and leveraged best practice modeling frameworks to assess the financial viability and value proposition of PHS projects. The final deliverable included clear conclusions on the role and economic viability of PHS within the SAPP markets, along with actionable policy and planning recommendations for member governments to facilitate informed decision-making on PHS development.

WEB contracted K&M to assist WEB in evaluating the feasibility of integrating Offshore Wind resources in Aruba. In this assignment, K&M is responsible for researching offshore wind design considerations, identifying offshore wind sitting and configurations viable for Aruba, and calculating the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of various offshore wind scenarios. Topics covered in the offshore wind design research include siting considerations (water depths, distance to shore, wind speeds, spacing, and shipping routes), substructure types, wind turbine sizing and transmission options, and estimated CAPEX and OPEX for key offshore wind components. Based on these factors, K&M will perform high-level sitting analysis for Aruba and develop cost estimates for wind farms of three sizes, including a discussion of the indicative BESS capacity that should be added to WEB’s grid to provide sufficient operating reserves for each scenario. Based on these results, K&M will estimate the LCOE generated by each offshore wind / BESS scenario. K&M shall deliver its findings in a PowerPoint presentation to WEB staff.

A private client contracted K&M to assist in evaluating the feasibility of integrating Offshore Wind resources in the Caribbean.

In this assignment, K&M is responsible for researching offshore wind design considerations, identifying offshore wind siting and configurations viable for the Caribbean, and calculating the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for various offshore wind scenarios. Topics covered in the offshore wind design research include siting considerations (water depths, distance to shore, wind speeds, spacing, and shipping routes), substructure types, wind turbine sizing, transmission options, and estimated CAPEX and OPEX for key offshore wind components. Based on these factors, K&M will perform a high-level siting analysis for the Caribbean and develop cost estimates for wind farms of three sizes, including a discussion of the indicative BESS capacity that should be added to the client’s grid to provide sufficient operating reserves for each scenario. Based on these results, K&M will estimate the LCOE generated by each offshore wind/BESS scenario. K&M will deliver its findings in a PowerPoint presentation to the client’s staff.

The Government of Morocco intends to increase the country’s energy security by reducing its dependence on imports and diversifying its sources of natural gas imports. The Moroccan Ministry of the Energy Transisiton and Sustainable Development has contracted the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to assist in the design and tender of an LNG import and regasification terminal and related downstream infrastructure. This includes a sustainable LNG import terminal in the port of Nador West Med, a gas pipeline to connect the terminal to the Maghreb – Europe Gas Pipeline (GME) to the south (140km), and a gas pipeline to connect the industrial zone in Mohammedia to the GME to the west (220km). In May 2024, IFC retained Rogan Associates to provide engineering services related to the infrastructure design and feasibility studies for the LNG import terminal and pipeline project. Rogan Associates retained K&M Advisors LLC to review and comment on the feasibility study and related reports for the project.

In this assignment, K&M is tasked with several key responsibilities. Firstly, K&M will review and provide feedback on various critical documents, including the inception report, draft final report, final report, and the technical inputs to the bidding documents. Additionally, K&M will participate in calls with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as requested by the Client, ensuring consistent communication and alignment on project objectives and deliverables.

Guam Power Authority (GPA) procured a 198 MW Ukudu combined cycle power plant on an IPP basis. The plant is expected to enter commercial operation in third quarter of 2025 and will initially operate on Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. GPA intends to develop an LNG terminal to convert the Ukudu plant to operate on natural gas. K&M was retained as a lead consultant to assist GPA in conducting LNG terminal technical and commercial feasibility analysis, and, if proven feasible, to assist in procurement of the LNG terminal and negotiating as gas supply agreement.

Currently, K&M works on the Phase 1 of the project, which includes such tasks as estimating the LNG demand, analyzing source and delivery options, selecting the preferred site and configuration for the LNG terminal and developing terminal conceptual design and cost estimate. The scope of work also includes analysis of the possible business models, financial analysis, determining project feasibility and developing recommendations on whether to proceed with procurement of the LNG terminal. If GPA decides to proceed, K&M will assist GPA in procurement of the LNG terminal and LNG, negotiating a gas supply agreement, and overseeing work during the LNG terminal implementation.

Biomass power generation is an attractive option for the Mauritian island grid because it offers dispatchable generation, uses agricultural waste as fuel, and has lower emissions than fossil fuel technologies. The climate rationale to transition the Omnicane Independent Power Producer (IPP) to 100% biomass is even stronger because it will displace CO2-intensive coal generation with local or imported biomass generation.

Despite its benefits, biomass power generation projects are risky and could be unpopular. One of the main risks is feedstock supply. Biomass supply can present significant seasonal variations, which, combined with storage limitations, can lead to significant supply-demand imbalances. Biomass can also have significant year-to-year supply variations due to variability in yield from biomass harvesting operations or reductions in cultivated land. Furthermore, biomass projects can be controversial and elicit local criticism.

IFC is aware of these types of risks and concerns about biomass and the Omnicane project and wants to commission this high-level study to analyze the financial, economic, and climate implications of transitioning the Omnicane IPP to 100% biomass. The results of the study should show, with data and objective analysis, if this transition is a better economic and climate choice than continuing with the current biomass-coal operation or developing another technology that is dispatchable and has low carbon emissions.

The K&M team will estimate the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for the Omnicane power plant when burning biomass (sugar cane bagasse) and coal, as well as only biomass. In addition, K&M will seek to understand the biomass supply chain risks and mitigation options. K&M will then identify a shortlist of realistic dispatchable alternatives to the 100% biomass Omnicane IPP and to develop an estimate of the LCOE of these alternatives. To complete this work, K&M will develop an LCOE model to estimate the LCOE and CO2 emissions cost of all generation possibilities, including:

• Existing plant – bagasse + coal
• 100% biomass plant – local bagasse
• 100% biomass plant – imported biomass
• 100% biomass plant – mix of local bagasse and imported biomass
• Each of the alternative options identified and analyzed

In addition to these scenarios, K&M will run sensitivities on the power plant’s capacity factor, including 55%, 70%, and 90%.

Aqualectra is facing increased load growth and has recently retired its gas turbine unit, GT2, making it difficult for Aqualectra to meet peak demand. As a result, Aqualectra is requesting proposals for temporary power solutions to meet the growing demand in 2024 and 2025. The contract for temporary power would last approximately two years, starting around May 2024. Aqualectra requested K&M’s commercial and technical advisory services to determine the least-cost configuration of capacity and electricity from the temporary power units generating assets and the CRU gas turbine.

K&M discussed the scenarios and sensitivities that would be most informative to analyze with Aqualectra. Using the agreed-upon scenarios, K&M adapted its existing generation and cost models for Aqualectra to perform the temporary power analysis. K&M ran and analyzed the models and presented the results, including the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the temporary power scenarios, the recommended configuration of the temporary power, the hourly dispatch of the generation assets, and all assumptions used in the analysis.

Fogging System Analysis

SEPCO has indicated the power grid in Jordan has had difficulty covering peak loads observed during high-temperature periods. As a result, SEPCO has reviewed potential solutions for its Samra Power Plant to increase power plant generation during these peak periods.

SEPCO intent is to modify all seven gas turbines installed at the Samra Power Plant by installing a fogging system in the gas turbine inlet. This modification aims to increase plant power generation to help the power grid cover the peak loads during high-temperature periods. To evaluate the technical and commercial viability of the fogging system installation, SEPCO engaged K&M Advisors to review the design of generating units’ and auxiliary equipment and systems to evaluate their ability to support the increased power output during fogging system operation.

The purpose of this study is to:

• Verify whether existing auxiliary equipment of each of the phases is capable of supporting facility operation with the fogging systems, and
• Determine the demineralized water demand required for the fogging system.

Fogging System RFP Development

Once the technical viability of implementing the fogging system has been confirmed, SEPCO will need to develop an RFP for suppliers to submit their proposal for design that meets the requirements of applicable standards and good engineering practice. K&M will develop the RFP documentation for suppliers to ensure that the design of the system is adequate and technically sound.

Fogging System Analysis

K&M developed GateCycle models of combined cycle plants to calculate heat and material balances for different ambient temperatures without and with the fogging system. For each combination of the ambient temperature and fogging system status, K&M developed a spreadsheet summarizing the system power output and power output increase, heat rate and heat rate change, fogging system evaporation rate/demineralized water requirements, and other steam and water impacting operation of HRSG, steam turbine, ACC, and other auxiliary equipment that could be impacted by the fogging system. To analyze the demineralized system requirements, K&M calculated the fogging system demineralized water requirements and the total daily demineralized water demand and compared it with the demineralized water system capacity. We evaluated whether there is a deficit of demineralized water with fogging system operation and suggested the required additional demineralized water system capacity.

Fogging System RFP Development

K&M will assist SEPCO in developing the fogging system RFP. The RFP document prepared by K&M will include instructions to bidders, functional technical specification including the scope of supply and services and general technical requirements, and forms to be submitted by bidders. It is expected that the draft supply contract will be prepared to be included in the RFP will be based on the standard SEPCO’s supply contract, so no draft contract preparation is included in K&M’s scope. SEPCO will provide K&M with any available technical and commercial information received to date from the prospective fogging system suppliers.