ESB secures World Cup contract on South African Trade Mission

Statement by the Minister for Enterprise , Trade and Employment

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin TD, has today (Wednesday 16^th January) announced a new agreement between ESB International and Eskom, the South African electricity company at Eskom's headquarters in Johannesburg during the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to South Africa.

This €4.5 million contract retains ESBI to provide engineering consultancy services in the construction of an additional 1,000 megawatts of generation capacity at the recently commissioned power plants in the Western Cape of South Africa. 

ESBI currently has a team of consultants in Johannesburg and Cape Town planning this project, which is due for completion by the end of 2009 to ensure supply for the World Cup the following year. 

Minister Micheál Martin said, "This project confirms ESBI's standing in the international power arena and recognises the diversity and capabilities provided by Irish companies. This project sees ESBI assisting the South African authorities meeting the infrastructural needs for the World Cup it is hosting in 2010" He wished Eskom well with the implementation of its major capital investment." 

"ESB International has strong links with South Africa and has already played a key role in several major projects here. While clearly this project is planned with the World Cup in mind and will provide enough electricity to power 400 Croke Parks, it is an important piece of infrastructure for the long term in a country where there is huge economic transformation."

"The fact that the signing is taking place during Ireland's largest ever trade mission to South Africa underlines how both our countries can benefit from strong trade links."

John Campion ESB Executive Director Human Resources and Corporate Affairs said, "ESB is delighted to extend its business in the expanding South African energy market. Eskom, our partner in this contract, is one of the major energy providers on the African continent and ESBI envisages even greater business ventures with the company into the future." 

ENDS/ETE1837

For Further Information Contact:

Jerry O’Connor, Media Advisor, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment 01 631 2200