Hydropower

Bioenergy

Wind energy

Solar energy

Geothermal energy

Hydropower:

Rehabilitation of Trebinje I Hydropower Plant, Bosnia-Herzegovina

At the 35-year-old 168 MW hydropower plant, the complete I&C installations and other mechanical and electrical components were to be renewed, in particular turbines, generators, machine house cranes and transformer installations. Following project and site management of the initial urgent measures for the control systems and at the generators, under a feasibility study Fichtner elaborated further rehabilitation measures. For these, the design, technical specifications and tender documents were prepared, with all activities up to commissioning supervised, including budgetary control and quality assurance.

Rehabilitation of Hydro Power Plant Bajina Basta, Serbia

The rehabilitation of the 372 MW Bajina Basta hydropower plant with four units covers turbines, generators, transformers as well as the 220 kV substation and the operation monitoring and control system. Fichtner has been awarded the contract for the following services: review of the specifications and bidding documents, support with the competitive bidding process, evaluation of contract award negotiations, supervision of rehabilitation works, budgetary control, quality assurance, workshop inspections, commissioning.

Construction of Cebren and Galiste Hydropower Plants, Macedonia

RWE Power AG is participating together with the Slovenian company Holding Slovenske elektrarne d.o.o. (HSE) in a tender issued by the Macedonian Ministry of Economics for designing, building, operation and subsequent transfer (DBOT project) of two hydropower plants on the River Crna in Southwest Macedonia. The plants concerned are Cebren 333 MW Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant and Galiste 193 MW Hydro Storage Power Plant, with additionally construction of a dam in Orlov Kamen. The two power plants with grid connection and all necessary infrastructure are to be planned, licensed, constructed and made ready for operation within seven years under an EPC contract. Fichtner was awarded a contract by RWE Power AG with determination of basic data and constraints, preliminary planning, conceptual engineering, preparation for contract award and drawing up the EPC tender documents based on FIDIC contract conditions. As an option, Fichtner participates in contract award and takes over permit management, as well as, during the realization phase, general construction management, site supervision and project tracking.

Due diligence for Dniester Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant, Ukraine

For Dniester Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant, under construction at Novodniestrovsk, with reversible turbines rated 3 x 320 MW, Fichtner prepared a due diligence review.  For this purpose, the project’s basic technical data were checked, the civil and plant engineering plans inspected, the construction status investigated and the services still to be rendered up to commissioning of the first three turbines identified. Fichtner also updated the construction schedule and checked the project costs.

Lender’s Engineering for modernization of Volga-Kama Hydropower Cascade, Russian Federation

On behalf of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Fichtner is supervising implementation of technical measures for modernizing Volga-Kama Hydropower Cascade, which with eight hydropower plants has a total installed capacity of 10,068 MW. These measures comprise change-out of the water turbines, electrical equipment, monitoring systems and switchgear. Fichtner is responsible for tracking all phases of implementation from preparation of the tender documents through to site supervision of construction, installation, and erection.

Rehabilitation of power generation facilities, focusing on hydropower, Democratic Republic of Congo

This project forms part of an emergency program financed by the World Bank for reconstruction of the country’s entire infrastructure. Alongside reconstruction of the electricity transmission and distribution systems, a particular focus is on securing and rehabilitating electricity generation – principally by hydropower but with two diesel power plants. Apart from four hydropower plants with a total capacity of 425 MW, these include Inga 1 and Inga 2 Hydropower Plants on the Congo River, which with a total installed capacity of 1775 MWe are currently the third biggest hydropower scheme in Africa, with a still substantial expansion potential. For first measures for securing electricity generation in preparation for reconstruction and renewal, Fichtner commenced by drawing up a concept, followed by the technical specifications and performance requirements, while assisting the national electricity utility, SNEL, in tendering, bid evaluation and contract award for the services.

Detail engineering for Bujagali 255 MW Hydropower Plant, Uganda

The new Bujagali Hydropower Plant to be erected along the White Nile is located near Uganda’s second biggest city, Jinja. It will be equipped with five 51 MW Kaplan turbines. This project comprises construction of an earthfill dam, powerhouse, power evacuation equipment with switchgear, and all local infrastructure, including the access road. Our services on behalf of the Italian EPC contractor include site exploration with determination of topographical, hydrological and geological data, as well as optimization of plant design and a quantity survey. Additionally, Fichtner is assisting the general contractor in drawing up his proposal and conducting contract negotiations, in conceptual and detailed engineering, as well as during the construction and commissioning phases.

Feasibility Study for Fula II and Bedden Hydropower Plants, Sudan

This bankable Feasibility Study is broken down into several phases. It covers review of existing project data and procurement of missing information; preliminary design and configuration of facilities; determination of costs; assessment of risks; tariff studies; geological, hydrological, sedimentological and topographical investigations; environmental and sociological studies; as well as design of the hydropower plant structures, comprising dam, waterways, turbine house and power transmission system, including investigations of power export. On the basis of capital costs and attainable electricity tariffs, the economic performance is calculated. The bankable feasibility study is drawn up in compliance with internationally recognized standards of best practice.

Technical and economic appraisal of a hydropower project, Tajikistan

For completion of the Sangtudinskaya Hydropower Project in Tajikistan, construction of which had already started in the eighties, following an appraisal of the technical documentation for construction of this 670 MW power plant, Fichtner checked its economic and technical feasibility, investigated energy-economic constraints and conditions, and reviewed construction costs and the hydrological situation. Furthermore, existing information on the scheme’s environmental and social impacts was compiled and, on the basis of a financial model, tariffs were calculated and the project’s economic performance presented.

Feasibility study for the Madian Hydropower Scheme, Pakistan

For a privately financed hydropower project in Northern Pakistan, Fichtner has been entrusted with preparing a bankable feasibility study. First project options are identified and evaluated, followed by detailed investigations of the favored option, including geotechnical and geophysical field studies. Madian Hydropower Plant on the River Swat is the lowest of a cascade of four power plants. The original concept foresees construction of a day reservoir, which allows a certain independence of operation of the upstream plants and also, if required, permits provision of peak load power over two to three hours. Two siting options at the outskirts of Madian for the powerhouse rated at 150 MW are being investigated.

Planning Middle Marsyangdi Run-of-River Hydropower Plant, Nepal

The Nepal Electricity Authority commissioned Fichtner with planning a run-of-river hydropower plant with combined concrete spillway and rockfill dam. The structure also included underground sand and gravel traps and a 5.5 km pressure tunnel. Through a 450 m penstock, water is directed to two Francis turbines that generate a total of 72 MW. In addition to planning, Fichtner drew up the specifications and tender documents, conducted contract award negotiations, and supervised construction.

Extension of Cerrón Grande hydropower plant, El Salvador

Cerrón Grande hydropower plant in the district of Cuscatlán consists at present of two 86.4-MW Francis turbines. The hydropower plant was planned for operation with four units, the entire civil works for units 1-3 having been completed already at the time of construction of the plant. For the purpose of installation of the third turbine, Fichtner was commissioned to prepare the tender documents and to provide technical support in relation to contract award.

Construction of a 116 MW run-of-river hydropower plant in Rheinfelden, Germany

Energiedienst AG planned construction of a new run-of-river hydropower plant in Rheinfelden downstream of the present weir, to replace the 24 MW run-of-river plant dating from 1898. In August 2004, an engineering consortium under Fichtner’s leadership was awarded a contract to prepare detailed engineering, draw up tender documents and take over general construction management for this new plant. The new turbine house with four 28 MW bulb turbines and a full capacity discharge flow of around 1500 m³/s is to be erected in the axis of the new weir presently under construction. Also to be installed is a 4 MW subsidiary generating set driven by compensation water. The engineering contract covered the powerhouse with apron as well as intake and discharge channels, access roads and ecological compensation measures. For the intake and discharge channels, extensive excavation work is necessary in the River Rhine along the Gwild Nature Reserve. The plant is scheduled to come on stream in 2012.

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Bioenergy – Biomass, Biogas, Digester Gas, Landfill Gas:

General planning for a biomass-fired CHP plant, Vienna Simmering, Austria

The Austrian energy utility Wienstrom GmbH, Vienna, is constructing at its Simmering power plant site a biomass-fired combined heat and power plant to be fired exclusively with waste wood in its natural state. In a joint venture with IC Consulenten, Vienna and PowerTech, Munich Fichtner was awarded a contract for general planning of the power plant of around 22 MWe. This covered the various planning stages up to permit engineering and tendering, bid evaluation and contract award. The joint venture also supervised construction and plant commissioning.

Lender’s Engineering for Herbrechtingen Biomass-Fired Power Plant, Germany

In Herbrechtingen, at the sawmill operated by Matthäus Sturm GmbH, a biomass-fired combined heat and power plant with a capacity of 15 MWe is under construction. To be fired in this are also the company’s sawmill byproducts, alongside discarded wood products and green cuttings. The bank providing the financing is Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW). To corroborate this financing decision and assess follow-on steps, Fichtner, as independent Lender’s Engineer, has been entrusted by LBBW with a due diligence study and project oversight.

Assistance for a Biomass-to-Liquid (BTL) realization study, Germany

BTL fuels are synthetically manufactured from a wide variety of biomass feedstocks, such as straw, timber residues and specially cultivated energy crops. In preparation for realizing industrial scale BTL production in Germany, under contract to various enterprises in the automobile, mineral oil and industrial plant engineering sectors, the ‘Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH’ (dena) – the German Energy Agency – is drawing up a study on BTL implementation. Fichtner was commissioned by dena with the project package “Technological Aspects” and is working on a report setting out BTL developments worldwide, including trial facilities and pilot plants, and – after a screening process – a site specific analysis of the most promising pilot processes under the aspects of development opportunities, risks, the environment and permit approval, as well as costs and economic viability.

Study on development of market and costs for biomass-based power generation, Germany

Under the German program for promoting bioenergy – Bundesverband BioEnergie (BBE) – Fichtner prepared a study on the current market and cost developments of bioenergy exploitation for electricity generation. Its results served to verify the yet to be submitted report on lessons learned of the German Ministry of Economics. Furthermore, the study findings were applied for formulating recommendations for action in support of the policy for developing further the German Law on Renewable Energies in combination with the Biomass Directive.

Appraisal of fuel supply to a biomass-fired power plant, Germany

Under contract to Prokon Nord Energiesysteme GmbH, Fichtner assessed the submitted fuel concept for Papenburg biomass-fired power plant. Particular concerns were security of supply and availability of each fuel type over the medium and long terms. Fichtner also assessed the terms of the supply contract while pointing out any anticipated risks to supply.

Comparison of systems for biomass-based power generation, Germany

At its Bremen-Hastedt operating site, swb synor is assessing the implications of replacing, as thermal process, mass burning of biomass on the grate or in a fluidized bed combustor by the Carbo-V gasification process from Choren Industries GmbH. For technical evaluation of this against other biomass gasification and firing processes, Fichtner drew up a comparison among a wide range of technologies for generating electricity from biomass.

Feasibility study and pre-project planning for Jühnde Bioenergy Village, Germany

The Interdisciplinary Center for Sustainable Development (IZNE), a research group of the University of Göttingen, is planning to prepare a conceptual design for self-sufficient energy supply of a model village on the basis of bioenergy, and to implement this. Fichtner was entrusted in several phases with pre-project planning for realization of the Jühnde Bioenergy Village. First Fichtner prepared a feasibility study to clarify energy technology and economic concerns when employing forestry residues, biomass crops like straw or canola oil, and agricultural residues like liquid manure. Then Fichtner prepared the preliminary planning, which included among others the civil engineering concept, clarification of electricity export to the grid, pre-clarification of permit issues and a more detailed economic analysis.

Feasibility study for a biogas plant, Germany

Under contract to ÖKO-AGRAR-SERVICE GmbH, Fichtner prepared a feasibility study for planning and constructing a biogas plant for generating some 40,000 to 60,000 tonne per year of biogas. Investigated in three case studies were the economic, organizational (logistics) and legal bases together with the constraints and conditions of the scheme.

IC engine cogeneration plant fired with digester/natural gas, Germany

Under contract to Rationelle Energie Süd GmbH (RES), Fichtner engineered a dual-fuel IC engine cogeneration plant fired with digester gas and natural gas for supplying Göppingen Sewage Treatment Plant and a sewage sludge drying plant to be installed there. Because at the time of contract award a decision had not yet been taken on the technology of sewage sludge drying, Fichtner examined four IC engine cogeneration plant options, in each case to contract award readiness. The available digester gas quantity is around 4500 m³ per day.

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Wind energy:

Assistance for the Peak Murgash Windfarm project, Bulgaria

Fichtner investigated the technical feasibility of this scheme, considering suitability of location and grid tie-in as well as the optimized windfarm configuration and economic performance. Among other things, its development and monitoring as a Joint Implementation project were evaluated. Fichtner also supported the project developer during negotiations with Bulgarian and German government agencies as well as the Bulgarian energy regulation commission.

Examination of guidelines for grid tie-in of wind energy plants, Ireland

Under contract to Nordex Energy GmbH, Fichtner assessed the guidelines for tie-in of wind turbines to the transmission grid in Ireland. For this purpose, installation-specific criteria were worked out and then the connection conditions set out in the Irish Grid Code were compared with the connection guidelines of the German utility E.ON. To conclude, Fichtner drew up a comparison table showing the most important differences.

Feasibility Study for a large 3000 MW wind farm at Gulf of El-Zayt, Egypt

Under a feasibility study for a major wind energy scheme at the Gulf of El-Zayt, Fichtner first investigated suitable sites and worked out options for electrical tie-in to the Egyptian HV grid. Also included was an estimate of the costs of site-specific generation, transmission access and grid integration.

San Gorgonio Westwind II Windfarm Project, USA

On behalf of Landesbank Schleswig-Holstein, Fichtner prepared a due diligence study for this 43 MW windfarm in California. Specifically a market study on which this scheme was based was evaluated and the electricity price corridors reconciled with experience from other countries.

Windfarm simulation, Germany

Fiction was awarded a contract by P&T Technology AG for static and dynamic simulation of the reactive power behavior of a windfarm with 42 wind turbines in North Germany.

Appraisal of constraints and conditions for offshore wind energy installations, Germany

On behalf of VDMA – German technical association for prime movers – Fichtner prepared an expert appraisal on exploitation and expansion of offshore wind energy. This took in plant technology, permit award, availability of relevant industries, economic performance and ecology.

Appraisal of maintenance costs of wind turbines, Germany

On behalf of ENERTRAG Energiedienst GmbH, Fichtner evaluated the maintenance costs for the main components of tower, nacelle, electrical installations, gearbox, generator and rotor blades for wind turbines over a period of ten years. Investigated for each component were the costs of tooling and equipment, required spare and wearing parts, lubricants, operating supplies and labor. Additionally, plant outage periods for maintenance work were determined to estimate the costs of loss of production.

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Solar energy:

Lender’s Engineering for a 20 MW Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project, Spain

The project developer Abastecimentos Energeticos S.L.U. based in Madrid/Spain plans to erect photovoltaic power plants of 15 MW and 5 MW at two sites in Albacete Province in Southeast Spain. On behalf of the financing Deutsche Bank AG, London, Fichtner is preparing due diligence reviews under technical and environmental aspects, checking technical conditions and risks, time scheduling, and investigating and commenting on the project budget. During the construction phase, Fichtner monitors and tracks construction progress and commissioning, reports on the status of construction, and certifies attainment of technical milestones for payment of credit installments.

Ain Beni Mathar ISCC Solar Power Plant, Morocco

For this 200-250 MWe hybrid power plant with a solar component of 30 MWe, funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), Fichtner Solar undertook engineering and calculated the avoided CO₂ emissions, marginal costs and required subsidy, and also prepared the financing model. Fichtner Solar also drew up the technical and commercial tender documents for supply, construction and operation, evaluated the bids and conducted contract negotiations.

ISCC solar power plant in Kuraymat, Egypt

This 150 MWe hybrid power plant with a solar component of 30 MWe receives financial support from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). Fichtner Solar undertook engineering, calculated the avoided CO₂ emissions against the Kyoto Protocol, the marginal costs and required subsidy, and drew up the financing model. Additionally, the technical and commercial tender documents were prepared and interfaces worked out for contract award in various lots for supply, construction and operation over five years. The project was tendered for in two lots: “Solar Island” and “Combined Cycle Island”. Fichtner Solar evaluated bidders’ proposals and conducted contract award negotiations.

Solar process heat plant, Egypt

For a solar process heat plant in the mid-temperature range – 180°C – Fichtner Solar prepared a feasibility study and drew up specifications, conducted tendering and bid evaluation, and supervised construction, installation and operation. The project’s aim was technology transfer and building up Egyptian know-how in construction and operation of its own solar plants.

Technical Advisor for a solar power plant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Under the Masdar Initiative, which is a scheme for developing renewable energies in Abu Dhabi, ADFEC-Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company is planning to erect a solar thermal power plant with a total electrical rating of 100 MW. As technical advisor, Fichtner is preparing the feasibility study and working out a plant concept, drawing up the tender documents, and evaluating proposals, as well as supporting contract negotiations with the successful bidder.

Yazd Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant, Iran

Under contract to the Electric Power Research Center (MATN) of the Iranian Ministry of Energy, Fichtner Solar prepared a detailed feasibility study for a 400 MWe hybrid power plant with 65 MWe solar component. This includes technical, economic and ecological evaluations as well as an overview of prospective solar technologies.

Mathania Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant, India

This 140 MWe hybrid power plant project with a solar component of 30 MWe was promoted by the UN Global Environmental Facility (GEF). Fichtner Solar first prepared the feasibility study and then undertook engineering. Likewise calculated were CO₂ emissions, incremental costs and the necessary financial subsidy. Fichtner Solar also drew up technical and commercial tender documents and defined interfaces for the option of letting contracts for supply, commissioning and operation by lots. The scope of services also covered contractual negotiations.

Consultancy for the Government’s future investment program, Germany

Under the German R&D program “High temperature solar thermal electricity generation”, Fichtner Solar assisted the German Federal Ministry of the Environment (BMU), represented by Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), in all its aspects. It comprises ten R&D projects for the market launch of various solar technologies: parabolic trough, solar tower, solar dish with Stirling engine, and Fresnel lens.

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Geothermal energy:

Denizli Geothermal District Heating Project, Turkey

Funded by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), an international joint venture of five companies led by Fichtner prepared several studies on the geothermal district heating scheme for the City of Denizli. Specifically, these were a heat market study to determine the city districts suitable for district heating supply, an analysis of transportable heat quantities and a study for concept identification. In a further step, a bankable feasibility study was elaborated, in which the scheme’s technical, commercial, economic, ecological, legal and organizational practicability was evaluated.

Outer Islands Electrification, Indonesia

Under contract to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Fichtner prepared a comprehensive study in two phases for P.T. PLN Persero on electricity supplies to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sunda Islands, the Moluccas and Irian Jaya. The objective was to develop an electrification concept with a time horizon up to 2015. Due to Indonesia’s geology, a particular focus of the investigations was the possibility of exploiting geothermal energy for power supplies. In a second step, project implementation plans were drawn up and feasible tariffs calculated should the project be realized.

Due diligence study for a geothermal power plant, Germany

In connection with the realization of a geothermal power plant in Southwest Germany, Fichtner is acting as independent adviser to one of the project participants, entrusted in particular with drawing up a neutral assessment of financial viability and the project’s organizational structure.

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