Message from Stefan Kipp EMD of AlBihouth
As we enter the summer season and the second year of our project, we all realize the large steps forward we have taken so far. Off-site activities are progressing well ahead of plan, with 82% of the engineering works and 57% of the procurement activities being completed so far.
I am delighted to announce that our EPC contractor has started Mechanical and Electrical erection works ahead of schedule, proof of an accurate planning and few mistakes in the execution, ensuring that the flooded site at the beginning of the project did not derail the timeline. Both Civils and Process construction teams with currently nearly 800 people on site will now be working in tandem as we embark on the most intense phase of the project schedule. A perfect integration of the new teams arriving on site and their compliance with our stringent HSE standards is key to mitigate the risk of accidents and keep the high production performance, both during the day and night shifts.
My team monitors construction progress and we hold regular meetings with EPC to confirm progress and to raise emerging issues.
Project Summary to Date
Construction works are ongoing above and below ground level. Excavation works at site are carefully controlled to ensure no damage occurs to pre-installed structures.
Sub-surface structures include firefighting, process water and sewage piping, and electrical cable ducts and earthing strips.
To minimize erection works at height, our EPC contractor uses a modular method of construction, where large sections of structural steel are connected at ground level and lifted in situ using the overhead cranes. This reduces height working for staff which is both safer and more time effective.
The final works raising the waste bunker walls took place this month, using the slip-form hydraulic jacking system. The waste bunker is the central structure for the plant, and it will be connected directly to the administration/control room building, and the boiler hall.
Foundation works are progressing around the site for the fire water tank room, the HV transformer station, the workshop and storage building, the main compressor building and the turbine hall.
Major components for the process systems have been arriving at site on a daily basis throughout June, and our two heavy-lift tower cranes are at work lifting supporting structures and components into position in the boiler hall area. Meanwhile works continue constructing the range of buildings and structures around the site. The Administration building will house the main control room for the plant, and this is on the critical path for completion.
Our plant will produce 80MW of power via a single steam turbine, providing electricity for 52,000 households in the region. The foundation for the turbine table must be able to withstand the weight and rotational forces of the steam turbine and the generator. Heavy duty springs are used in the foundation, that allow for vibrations to be safely dissipated during turbine operations.
HSE Update
On the 15th of June we started the restricted summer working hours. This UAE regulation prohibits staff from working under direct sunlight from 12.30 to 3pm and is designed to protect workers from the effects of heat stress.
Our EPC contractor also launched the Heat Stress Awareness safety campaign this month, highlighting the signs, symptoms and dangers of heat stress and providing additional rest and drinking water stations around the site. All project staff are issued with drinks containers and supervisors must ensure their teams regularly stop to re-hydrate.
Our EPC contractor launched the T-Card permit to work system in June. This system coordinates work activities between the different working parties and ensures that all works are planned and properly assessed to protect persons at work. Designated staff receive specialist training to allow them to take work permits.