From the core: navigating thermal energy challenges

Thermal power plants continue to face scrutiny on environmental impacts, on water resource concerns, economic challenges for existing plants, and location limitations for geothermal opportunities. The role of thermal power generation is shifting like never before, however. Once it provided baseload electricity for many markets. Now, with the integration of renewables, thermal power plays a major role in steadying a grid. It is a reliable backbone for energy generation. Trends in the market are driving thermal power generation to be more cost-effective and generating companies want to make the most of their assets and do so in a way that moves away from carbon-intensive technologies, towards cleaner fuels and are socially responsible. Evolving government regulations are having a positive impact on how we design and construct thermal plants, too.

Our commitment to tackling climate change, to cleaner and more affordable thermal power, pushes us to challenge the status quo—the conventional ways thermal power generating plants used to be designed, built, and operated. Today, modern thermal power stations must be agile and flexible to meet the demands of the changing market. That's what successful energy projects now must deliver: the right technology, together with the best fuel source, high efficiency, and a design that meets current energy, environmental, and social regulations. All this, and strong project economics, too.

Thermal power expertise and capabilities

Owner’s engineer & independent engineer

Support is critical during the design and construction phases. Plants must be designed and constructed to meet the technical requirements of applicable contracts. You need a partner who'll be a member of your cohesive team, verifying designs, monitoring construction, and proactively addressing issues. Independent engineer experts for investors and lenders. Lenders want to know that their investments are safe. An assessment conducted by a trusted advisor like us puts them at ease, knowing that the project is technically and financially sound.

Emission reduction systems

As mentioned, air pollution standards are becoming increasingly strict. So, generating facilities are constantly searching for more cost-effective methods to reduce emissions to achieve compliance. Our environmental engineers are well-versed in emissions reduction. We maintain a technology-neutral position, facilitating independent reviews and unbiased advice regarding system selection. We can help with flue gas desulfurization, NOx selective catalytic reduction, particulate matter, acid mist reduction, mercury control, and carbon capture, and sequestration.

Technical advisory and consulting services

The success of a project, from concept development to commercial operation, depends on the effort applied at the front end. Advisory services are the comprehensive insights and solutions that transform projects from initiation to execution, a practice centered in deep industry knowledge and tried-and-tested management consulting approaches and skills. As a partner with the right technical expertise. We will work alongside you, offering support through every phase to ensure your success.

Operational performance

Thermal power generation facilities must be reliable and dependable. They need to respond quickly to their market or end-users’ needs, because failing to do so can mean significant penalties or lost revenue. All this requires significant capital investment and a regular stream of sustainable funding to ensure the facility is maintained and able to be reliably dispatched, economically, and safely.

We work with you, on the ground in your facilities. We develop strategic operational performance programs that boost reliability and efficiency, increasing the profitability of your thermal assets. Then, we follow up and support you across the full business life cycle, continually improving your operational performance.

Plant optimization and operational support

In uncertain economic climates, power generators must optimize their asset management practices and extend the life of their plants. You need to achieve more, but with limited capital. We partner with our clients to make the most of their existing assets. We understand your business; embrace your business drivers as our own. And dedicate our technical excellence to finding solutions that realize better business outcomes for you.

Regulatory support, permitting, and approvals

We can help you navigate the often-difficult laws, regulations, and permitting processes in almost any jurisdiction. We’re experienced with a wide range of regulatory requirements in many regions around the world. We go where our clients are, and where they need us to be. We work with trusted local partners to offer you world-class yet local services, where they matter most.

Thermal power plant development

You need a partner with experience, one who has been through this process many times. Who will properly consider each important aspect of your project: financing, environmental requirements and social engagement, insurance, design, and technology. We work with you, making your projects successful by providing engineering, procurement, and construction management services to minimize project risks and maximize profitability.

Refurbishments and retrofits

Many thermal power facilities are shifting to new modes of operation never intended when they were built. This, along with evolving regulations, sometimes requires these facilities to refurbish their equipment or retrofit new technology to maintain profitability. Working in a brownfield environment is challenging. Doing it successfully requires an agile partner who can adapt and provide innovative solutions to address any challenges that may arise.

Geothermal

An alternative power source to consider is geothermal energy production. Geothermal offers a stable baseload long-term, with the potential to also provide by-product heat. Through the gathering, aggregating, and interpreting of geologic data, our experienced geothermal experts provide you with the skills required for your project’s success.

We have extensive expertise that extends across many aspects of geothermal energy such as engineering, operations, technical advisories, economics, and more. We work with developers, utilities, operators, process plants, technology experts, and industrial facilities to provide life cycle solutions for both power and integrated processes. We listen carefully to your needs and deliver solutions that bring your project from concept to reality. 

Geothermal waste reduction systems

Unlike most thermal power facilities, geothermal power has fewer emissions (non-condensable gases such as CH4, H2S, etc.) and waste streams (reservoir brine) to contend with. Air and water pollution standards are becoming increasingly stringent. So, generating facilities are constantly searching for more cost-effective methods to reduce stack emissions and surface discharge to ensure compliance. Whether they are new greenfield, or older brownfield retrofit projects, we recognize the strategic importance of quality environmental engineering services. 

Engineering, procurement, and construction management

Proven procedures and processes are needed to deliver successful engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) projects, whether in grid-connected or remote locations. Our global vendor database can evaluate the best technologies and equipment almost anywhere in the world. Our procurement-and-construction management team understands quality-assurance compliance, from factory to site to service.

Prefeasibility and feasibility studies

It's important to select the most commercially viable option and complete sufficient up-front engineering work to determine a project’s viability. To minimize risk, approximately 25% of engineering should be completed in the feasibility phase, defining and developing a comprehensive scope of work, project execution plan, and cost estimate. Our sustainability-in-design concept incorporates social and environmental responsibilities early in the life cycle, ensuring principles and concepts are factored into achievable project objectives.

Blogs

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Tackling the energy trilemma—globally

Beth Buckmaster
The energy trilemma isn’t new within the industry, but more than ever the concept is now at the forefront of our planning and designs. Are organizations addressing its importance?
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Repurposing coal-fired power plants: benefits and challenges

Todd Thomas PE and Kamran Akhtar PEng
Coal-fired power plants have played a key role in providing the electricity that has helped shape our global economy. As we transition to a low carbon world, can repurposing these coal-fired plants help us shape a new energy landscape?
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