In 1999, MAN Diesel was awarded a contract by UNELCO (part of the Suez group) to supply and install two 9L32/40 diesel generating sets in Tagabe, Vanuatu. The 8 MW power station is now the main source of electricity for Port Vila, providing a robust solution for the long term power needs of the growing island nation and its thriving inbound tourism industry.

Local fuel, local workers, global expertise

The Tagabe generators run on 10% coconut oil sourced from local producers, a fuel policy which potentially injects AUD$3million into the local economy each year and reduces the station’s carbon footprint. MAN’s fuel research department in Germany provided support for the coconut oil test and trial phase. The power supply is also supplemented by 11 wind turbines, which work together with MAN’s engines for a greener solution.

The construction of the turn-key power station was the culmination of MAN Diesel’s long involvement in Vanuatu’s power infrastructure, stretching back to 1971. MAN Diesel engineers now supervise an ongoing maintenance program, sharing their global experience with local technicians, and ensuring the engines at Tagabe continue to generate power at the same high level of efficiency as they have for the past 10 years of continuous service.

Happy client and even happier end users

“Thanks to MAN Diesel, we have one of the most reliable and fuel-efficient power supplies in the Pacific,” says UNELCO’s Philippe Molager. “We’ve enjoyed a solid relationship with MAN Diesel for more than 10 years, and they continue to be very responsive.”

According to independent studies, the citizens of Vanuatu have long been among the happiest people in the world. And now that they have a reliable, power infrastructure that can grow with them in the years to come, they may become even happier.