There are power generation challenges, and then there are Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) power station challenges. The latter demands more than technical competence—it requires battle-tested expertise, relentless execution, and the kind of frontier mindset that thrives where others retreat.


USP&E doesn't just deliver HFO power stations. We've mastered them.


Why HFO? Why Now?


In frontier markets across Africa, the Middle East, and emerging industrial zones, HFO remains the most economically viable baseload fuel. It's abundant, cost-effective, and critical for mining operations, utilities, and industrial facilities operating far from natural gas infrastructure.

But HFO is unforgiving. It demands precision engineering, robust O&M protocols, and deep operational knowledge. Get it wrong, and you're facing catastrophic downtime, environmental liability, and financial hemorrhaging.


Get it right—and you unlock reliable, economical power that transforms entire operations.


Our Authority: Proven Across 35+ Countries


Since 2002, USP&E has designed, built, and operated HFO power stations in some of the world's most challenging environments:


  • Mali – Over 120 engineers and technicians currently operating multiple HFO installations for tier-one mining clients including Barrick Gold, Leo Lithium, and Resolute Mining
  • Sierra Leone – Full EPC and O&M delivery for London Mining, SL Mining, and Gerald Group
  • Togo – 20+ employees operating 50+ MW of hybrid thermal generation
  • Mauritania – HFO installations for Kinross Gold
  • Multiple African nations – From conceptual design through decades-long O&M contracts


This isn't theory. This is boots-on-the-ground, 24/7 operational excellence across hostile climates, remote locations, and politically complex regions.


The USP&E Difference: End-to-End Execution


1. Engineering That Anticipates Reality


Every HFO power station is unique. Fuel specifications vary wildly. Ambient conditions punish equipment. Grid interconnection requirements shift.


Our 350+ engineers don't work from templates—they design for your specific fuel analysis, your site conditions, your operational constraints. We conduct:


  • Comprehensive geotechnical surveys
  • Fuel quality analysis and compatibility studies
  • Grid interconnection and load studies
  • Environmental and regulatory compliance planning
  • Full P&ID development and detailed engineering


We engineer for what will happen, not what should happen.


2. Procurement That Moves Fast


HFO projects can't wait 18 months for manufacturing lead times. Our global inventory includes:


  • Over 100 MW of owned HFO-capable generating sets
  • Exclusive representation of 500+ MW additional capacity
  • Direct relationships with equipment owners controlling 3,000+ MW
  • Pre-qualified balance-of-plant suppliers across every continent


We place deposits. We hold equipment. We de-risk your timeline while others are still issuing RFQs.


3. EPC That Delivers—Even in Hostile Conditions


Installing an HFO power station isn't like bolting together a diesel genset. It requires:


  • 10,000–30,000 man-hours of Class IV pipe welding
  • Complex fuel treatment systems (purification, heating, pumping)
  • Sophisticated cooling and exhaust systems designed for heavy fuel combustion
  • Rigorous commissioning protocols to ensure fuel compatibility and emissions compliance


Timeline reality check: HFO installations require 9–14 months from deposit to full commissioning. Anyone promising faster is either lying or incompetent.


USP&E has executed this process faster than anyone in the industry—but we never compromise safety, quality, or long-term reliability for speed.


4. O&M That Guarantees Performance


HFO engines are assets or liabilities depending entirely on maintenance discipline. Neglect them, and they become environmental disasters and financial sinkholes.


USP&E operates over 260 MW under long-term O&M contracts because we:


  • Guarantee availability – Contractual uptime commitments backed by performance bonds
  • Optimize fuel efficiency – Reducing per-kWh costs through meticulous tuning and preventive maintenance
  • Extend asset life – Predictive maintenance protocols that catch failures before they cascade
  • Train local teams – Knowledge transfer that builds client capability and regional capacity


Our O&M isn't just maintenance—it's operational insurance.


The Process: From Concept to Commissioned Power


Phase 1: Qualification (Weeks 1–4)


We don't waste time on unserious inquiries. Our process requires:


  • Signed NDA with full project disclosure (location, fuel spec, timeline, funding)
  • Proof of funds and end-user verification (OFAC/FCPA compliance)
  • Site coordinates and preliminary technical requirements


Why? Because HFO projects demand engineering investment upfront. We qualify before we mobilize.


Phase 2: Feasibility & Conceptual Design ($150K–$250K, 30–60 days)


  • Site visit and geotechnical assessment
  • Fuel analysis and engine compatibility study
  • Preliminary P&IDs and equipment specifications
  • CapEx/OpEx modeling and risk analysis
  • Regulatory and permitting roadmap


Deliverable: A bankable feasibility study that secures financing and de-risks execution.


Phase 3: Detailed Engineering ($430K–$1.25M, 60–120 days)


  • Full electrical and mechanical design
  • Equipment procurement and logistics planning
  • Civil works specifications and construction drawings
  • Grid interconnection and fuel supply chain engineering
  • Final cost estimates and execution schedule


Deliverable: Engineer-certified construction-ready documentation.


Phase 4: EPC Execution (9–14 months)


  • Equipment delivery (6–12 weeks shipping)
  • Civil works (3–6 weeks)
  • Mechanical/electrical installation (4–8 months)
  • Pre-commissioning and testing (4–8 weeks)
  • Full commissioning and handover (2–4 weeks)


Deliverable: A fully operational, performance-guaranteed HFO power station.


Phase 5: Long-Term O&M (Multi-year contracts)


  • 24/7 operational support with local teams
  • Scheduled maintenance and remote monitoring
  • Fuel management and efficiency optimization
  • Spare parts supply chain and rapid response
  • Performance reporting and continuous improvement


Deliverable: Decades of reliable, cost-effective power.


Why Clients Choose USP&E


1. We Own the Risk

We place deposits. We hold inventory. We guarantee delivery. When we commit, we execute.


2. We Speak Truth

HFO isn't fast-track. It's complex, capital-intensive, and unforgiving. We don't promise 90-day miracles—we deliver real projects that run for decades.


3. We've Done This Before—Everywhere

From sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East, from IPPs to mining operations, we've proven our model in the world's toughest markets.


4. We Stand Behind Our Work

ISO 9001:2015 and 45001:2018 certified. Over 150 projects. 35+ countries. Zero lawsuits in 25 years.


Our reputation isn't marketing. It's documented, verifiable, and defended by every client we've ever served.


The Bottom Line


HFO power generation separates pretenders from practitioners. It demands engineering precision, operational discipline, and the kind of frontier grit that doesn't flinch when the road turns to dust.


USP&E doesn't just build HFO power stations. We prove they work. And we keep them working.


If you're evaluating HFO for baseload power—whether for mining, utilities, or industrial applications—you have one question to answer:


Do you want a vendor who talks about HFO experience, or a partner who operates HFO power stations across three continents?

Ready to Discuss Your HFO Project?


Step 1: Review our HFO Generator Inventory

Step 2: Sign our NDA and share your project details

Step 3: Let's get on a Teams call and build your solution


USP&E Global


Powering Possibility. Built for the Frontier.

Contact: Herman@uspeglobal.com



"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." – Colossians 3:23

Because powering nations isn't just business. It's stewardship. It's service. It's how we harness energy for life.