Staatsolie, the national oil company of Suriname, is analyzing various options for monetizing Suriname’s natural gas resources. Specifically, Staatsolie is interested in understanding the economic and technical feasibility of gas-to-power in Suriname. As part of this effort, the company is seeking a high-level assessment of gas-to-power options that include both domestic and imported gas supply options, as well as the associated logistics for delivering gas to its existing power plants (planned conversions) and new gas-fired facilities. K&M was engaged to conduct this high-level analysis and cost comparison of nine identified gas-to-power options.

K&M Advisors was engaged to estimate the Levelized Cost of Delivered Gas (LCODG) for nine LNG-to-power options across two gas demand scenarios. Each option encompassed gas delivery to Suriname’s thermal generation fleet—including the SPCS and DPP units slated for gas conversion—as well as to a prospective new gas-fired facility. Four options evaluated imported LNG or gas delivered via ISO containers, bulk delivery to an FSU or FSRU, or subsea/onshore pipeline infrastructure. The remaining five options assessed domestic LNG or gas, applying analogous logistics configurations.

K&M tailored and refined its existing LNG-to-Power costing model to the nine configurations. K&M developed Class 5 CAPEX and OPEX estimates for all major system components to derive LCODG values. The LCODG analysis incorporated a detailed cost breakdown, including LNG FOB pricing, shipping costs, offshore and onshore infrastructure requirements, and downstream storage, regasification, and distribution systems. Results were benchmarked against the HFO price and evaluated for cost and non-cost criteria to select a preferred option.

SAMRA Power Plant, a combined cycle power plant with a capacity of 1160 MW at site ambient conditions, utilizing two 300 MW blocks, each with GE9E gas turbines in 2 x 1 configuration, one 420 MW block with GE132 gas turbines in 2 x 1 configuration, and one block with GE13E2 gas turbine in 1 x 1 configuration. Over the last several years, the Jordanian power grid has struggled to cover peak loads during high-temperature periods. As a result, SEPCO has reviewed potential solutions for increasing power plant generation by installing the Advanced Gas Path (AGP) parts on GE9E turbines and activating an enhanced mode of operation for their 13E2 gas turbines. SEPCO engaged K&M Advisors to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of the AGP installation and operation in enhanced mode. This included a review of the design of generating units, auxiliary equipment, and balance of plant systems to assess their ability to support the increased power output during fogging system and AGP operation.

K&M developed GateCycle models of combined cycle plants to calculate heat and material balances for different ambient temperatures without and with the previously installed fogging system. For each combination of the ambient temperature, fogging system status, and AGP 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.  K&M also conducted an economic analysis to determine whether the installation of AGP is economically justified.

IFC contracted K&M to design a financial modeling tool that will be effective for IFC’s evaluation of transmission infrastructure projects in Africa.

K&M drafted a financial model template including value for money calculations against a public comparator, considering qualitative parameters and risk values. K&M then populated the template using two project examples prepared by IFC. K&M validated the results and updated the model based on scenario outputs and sensitivity testing and ensured that the model is working for the purposes of the two projects provided by IFC. After delivering the updated model, K&M presented the model scenarios and results and provided a walk-through of the model.

The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe (GoSTP), with funding from the World Bank, aims to reduce the cost, increase reliability, and reduce emissions from electricity generation in Sao Tome and Principle (STP). The Project Fiduciary and Administrative Agency (AFAP), under the Access to Clean Resilient Electricity Project (ACRE), engaged K&M to conduct a two-phased study to assess the technical and economic feasibility of different LNG-based power generation concepts and, based on that assessment, help GoSTP implement the identified recommendations.

The objective of Phase I is to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of different LNG-based power generation concepts for STP and determine which, if any, are competitive against non-LNG generation options. The analysis will be conducted on behalf of and in close collaboration with STP’s national electricity utility, Empresa de Agua e Electricidade (EMAE). The objective of Phase II is to implement the LNG procurement agenda.

K&M Advisors was engaged to assess the technical and economic feasibility of various LNG-based power generation concepts and support the implementation of the recommended solution. The scope includes four primary tasks: Task 1 involves requesting and reviewing relevant information provided by the client. Task 2 includes analysis of LNG sourcing, shipping, terminal options, and power generation, including evaluation of gas demand and generation requirements, identification of potential LNG supply sources, assessment of candidate sites for the LNG import terminal, and development of preliminary LNG-to-power configuration options. Task 3 focuses on the economic and financial assessment of these options, including Class V capital cost estimates, levelized cost calculations, and comparative analysis. Task 4 involves identifying the preferred terminal configuration, conducting business model analysis, defining the implementation schedule, and preparing the scope of work for Phase II of the study, which will address LNG procurement.

The general objective of this consultancy is to provide support to the Water and Sewerage Corporation for the implementation of its Corporate Business Plan. The plan is for the period from 2023 to 2027 and covers elements related to quality of service, operations, finances, capital investments, and the legal and regulatory framework.
In this assignment, K&M was responsible for updating a financial model for WSC, advising on existing water supply contracts, and recommending changes to government policies and the legal and regulatory framework for the water and sewerage sector. K&M also provided guidance on the steps needed to convert WSC’s billing process from a quarterly to a monthly cycle and offered advice on the procurement of technical assistance.

A private developer is implementing an LNG import terminal project. The terminal includes a Floating Storage Unit (FSU) moored offshore; a barge or Offshore Service Vessel (OSV) that transfers ISO containers filled at the FSU to shore; and cranes that transfer the ISO containers from the barge or OSV to trucks that will transport the containers to a regasification facility where gas will be injected into a pipeline system. The developer retained a financial advisor to assist in raising the capital to finance the project. The assignment’s main objective is to analyze the LNG supply chain segment from loading LNG onto ISO containers aboard a barge or OSV to its delivery at the inlet of the regasification facility.

K&M was retained to estimate the optimal number of ISO containers, trucks, chassis trailers, stackers, and mobile cranes; the optimal size of the barge; and the operating cost (fuel, lube oil, tires, personnel, etc.) of the ISO logistics supply chain. Specifically, K&M utilized its existing logistics model for onshore LNG transport and incorporated modifications related to the barge transport from the FSU to the port. K&M also conducted a sensitivity analysis on variables such as diesel prices and useful life of the ISO containers. A report with the results of the analysis and the Excel logistics model was provided to the developer upon completion of the assignment.

K&M was contracted by the World Bank to work on an assignment that aims to review and update the status and progress of private sector participation in small hydropower development in the Kyrgyz Republic since 2017 (the “2017 Report”). This includes evaluating the legal and regulatory environment, actual project development, and identifying barriers to scale-up. The findings will help inform government policies, recommend actions to enhance private sector engagement, and assess how Development Finance Institutions such as the World Bank could support private sector participation in small hydropower project (“SHPP”) development.

The primary objectives of this Study are to (i) update the status and progress on private sector participation in the development of small hydropower in the Kyrgyz Republic since 2017, and (ii) based on such update and K&M’s assessment thereof, provide recommendations to overcome the barriers and challenges that small hydro development continues to face. K&M’s scope of work includes the following:

• Review and assess the current legal, regulatory, and policy framework for private sector participation in SHPP and then compare the results against the recommendations included in the 2017 Report, including assessment of financial incentives, administrative procedures, social and environmental regulations, and mechanisms for data availability and stakeholder coordination.
• Carry out a detailed review and analysis of SHPPs that have been implemented since 2016 with private sector participation.
• Review and update pipeline projects for SHPP, including (i) review the Kyrgyz Republic project implementation pipeline, (ii) update the project inventory that was included in the 2017 Report, (iii) conduct an updated analysis of the economics for SHPP projects in the Kyrgyz Republic, (iv) identify and rank up to 5 projects that are best positioned for implementation in the short to medium term, and (v) conduct a more detailed assessment for the top one to two ranked projects.
• Identify key barriers and challenges to private sector participation in SHPP projects
• Hold a one-day knowledge sharing workshop for stakeholders in the Kyrgyz Republic

WEB is interested in developing a load forecasting model that can predict WEB’s peak load and annual generation requirement between 2025 and 2029. The model should forecast electricity generation based on forecasts for key independent variables such as temperature, tourism arrivals, distributed generation, EV usage, and others agreed with WEB.
Under this assignment, K&M was responsible for collecting and validating historical data for Aruba, including hourly temperature, humidity, tourism arrivals, distributed solar PV additions, and others. K&M processed the data by cleaning missing values, aligning different time resolutions, and applying smoothing techniques. Using historical data, K&M analyzed the correlation between the dependent variable, Peak Load (MW), and each of the independent variables to determine which variables to include in the polynomial regression analysis. Based on the regression analysis, K&M developed the forecasting model, which can predict WEB’s peak load based on forecasted data for the period 2025 – 2029. K&M will provide this model as a workbook to WEB, which includes a user-friendly dashboard for data visualization and scenario analysis, as well as a user manual.

NEPCO is developing a 580 MW gas-fired combined cycle power plant to be added to the Jordanian generation fleet and engaged K&M to perform technical studies to define the technical parameters of the plant. The scope of the studies includes the evaluation of the prospective project sites, selection of suitable gas turbine technologies, and unit sizes, analysis of possible combined cycle plant configuration and capacity ranges, selection of a preferred method for the gas turbine inlet air cooling, plant performance modeling, and estimating capital and operating costs and fuel and water demand.

K&M evaluated 8 prospective project sites and recommended the preferred site option. K&M also modeled the performance of the plant for all class E and F gas turbines available on the market from gas turbine suppliers for different plant temperatures in 2 x 1 and 3 x 1 1 configuration for site elevation and different ambient temperatures between zero and 40oC. Using the results of the modeling, K&M conducted an economic evaluation of different options and established the recommended capacity range and plant configuration, estimated capital and operating costs, and fuel and water demand.

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.