NIGERIA
Fleet House, 105 Olu Obasanjo Road,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Construction of the Research Center of Excellence (COE) for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Republic of Congo
Location
CONGO
Date
2022
Markets
Buildings
Project Overview
The Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency is a landmark research facility in the Republic of Congo, executed by Zerock for ENI Congo. This project reflects Zerock’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Designed to European standards, the center integrates advanced laboratories, modular offices, residential accommodations, and essential ancillary facilities.
Delivered under a turnkey EPC + O&M contract, the project showcases Zerock ability to combine international engineering practices with local execution. Beyond infrastructure, the center serves as a hub for clean energy innovation and capacity building. Zerock’s successful delivery underscores its reputation as a reliable multi-skilled contractor driving sustainable development in the region.
Scope of work
Zerock’s scope on this project was comprehensive, covering Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning, and two years of Operation & Maintenance (O&M).
The main facility includes high-end laboratories and modular office layouts that promote flexible use.
The project also comprises residential blocks to house on-site staff, along with guard houses, pump rooms, substations, kitchens, and workshops.
External works such as internal roads, parking, fencing, and landscaping were also delivered. Extensive MEP systems were implemented, including borehole water supply, sewage treatment, firefighting, HVAC with chillers and VRV, BMS, MV power, UPS, solar PV, fire detection, CCTV, and telecom systems, all meeting European engineering standards.
Challenges
The Centre of Excellence project faced significant challenges. Its remote location, 910 km from Pointe-Noire seaport, made logistics, material procurement, and site management complex. European standards imposed by ENI’s Milan office required meticulous adaptation to local conditions.
Zerock addressed engineering challenges by aligning designs with the environment and ensuring detailed coordination of structural and system components.
Construction hurdles, including a lack of skilled labor and poor local HSE culture, were met with targeted training, specialized hires, and strong HSE promotion, achieving 870,000 safe work hours.
Procurement difficulties were managed through strategic planning despite local unavailability of materials, import duty delays, and VAT issues, all while navigating disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact
The successful completion of the Centre of Excellence has had a lasting impact on both the local community and the wider region. The facility now serves as a vital hub for renewable energy research and training, fostering innovation and the development of local expertise in clean energy technologies.
Zerock’s work not only delivered a world-class technical center but also contributed to community empowerment through job creation, capacity building, and the introduction of robust safety and quality standards.
The project enhances Congo’s role in the global drive for sustainable development while strengthening Zerock’s reputation as a trusted EPC partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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NIGERIA
Fleet House, 105 Olu Obasanjo Road,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
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