Majuro, Marshall Islands –MEC’s Generator 7 (G7) is now operating at improved output capacity levels following specialized maintenance work. This achievement not only represents a technical success but also delivers direct benefits to you, our valued customers, especially during the ongoing construction of our new powerplant station (PS1) building.
What This Means for Our Customers
For you at home, this improvement means more reliable electricity. With G7 now producing 60% more power, MEC can better meet peak demand periods when electricity usage is highest, reducing the likelihood of power interruptions during those critical times when you need electricity most.
This enhanced capacity comes at a perfect time as we navigate the transition period during the construction of our new PS1 power building. The increased output from G7 provides essential backup capacity while we prepare for the installation of new generators, ensuring continuous service even as we upgrade our infrastructure for the future.
The Challenge We Overcame
For years, G7 had been limited to operating at just 2.8MW due to persistent high exhaust temperatures. This restriction significantly hampered our generation capacity and ability to serve all areas consistently. Technical assessments indicated that engine performance components were not functioning optimally.
After careful analysis, our technical team identified the root cause: the charge air cooler had accumulated substantial contamination, creating excessive resistance and restricting the amount of air available for proper combustion. This issue required a specialized solution beyond routine maintenance.
Our Solution
Under the leadership of Ian and our dedicated power plant team, MEC contracted Engine Supplies and Services to conduct comprehensive cleaning of the air coolers. This meticulous process required complete removal of the coolers from the engine—the only way to properly eliminate the contamination and restore optimal performance.
While this specialized maintenance represented a $37,000 investment, the benefits to our community far outweigh the costs.
Impressive Results That Benefit Everyone
Recent testing has confirmed a dramatic improvement in G7’s performance. The generator can now operate at up to 4.5MW—a remarkable 60% increase in capacity. This enhanced output creates a crucial bridge during our transition to the new power building infrastructure.
This timing is particularly important as we construct the new PS1 power building, which will eventually house additional modern generators. During construction and installation phases, having G7 at full capacity provides essential redundancy in our system, helping maintain reliable service while we build for the future.
For households and businesses, this means fewer disruptions and more consistent power quality even as we undertake major infrastructure improvements. The enhanced G7 performance helps maintain service levels that might otherwise be strained during this transitional period.
Recognition to the Team Behind the Improvement
MEC extends special recognition to Ian and the entire power plant team for their technical expertise and proactive approach in identifying and addressing this long-standing issue. Their dedication to finding the root cause rather than simply managing symptoms has resulted in this significant operational breakthrough that directly benefits every MEC customer.
“This successful project demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable service even as we upgrade our facilities,” said Jack Chong-Gum, MEC CEO. “The power plant team showed exceptional initiative in pursuing this solution, and our customers will experience the positive results through more dependable generation power.”
Looking Ahead: Building a More Reliable Future
The improved performance of G7 provides an essential bridge as we transition to our new power generation infrastructure. While the PS1 power building is under construction, this additional 1.7MW of capacity gives us crucial flexibility to maintain service and meet demand.
Once our new generators are installed in the completed PS1 building, this refurbished G7 will continue to serve as valuable part of our generation mix, providing increased overall system reliability and redundancy.
For you, our customers, this means both immediate improvements in service reliability and a smoother transition to our upgraded facilities—another step in MEC’s ongoing commitment to providing dependable energy services on Majuro.
