Feasibility studies

Market and tariff studies

Integrated resource planning

Least-cost planning

Network studies

Feasibility studies

Study on strategy to extend and refurbish ADNOC’s electricity and water supply facilities, United Arab Emirates

The state-owned mineral oil company Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) with its subsidiaries Abu Dhabi Gas Limited (GASCO) and Abu Dhabi Oil Company (ADCO) awarded Fichtner a contract to prepare a strategy study for the period up to 2025 for the electricity and water supply systems of their various production sites in what is designated the Core Area. Its aim is to work out long-term projections for electricity and water demand, and on this basis develop various strategies, either for full in-company supply or supply through the state-owned energy supply utility TRANSCO, or a combination of the two. Investigated in this connection were, among other things, refurbishment of  the many company-owned, distributed electricity and water generation plants at the various production sites as well as retirement of these plants and their replacement by erecting new central generation facilities for all production sites, or again a combination of the two. As a consequence of these measures, complete rehabilitation and modernization of the power distribution network in the Core Area becomes necessary. For this purpose, comprehensive network studies are prepared for the various strategy proposals. Fichtner then assesses the developed strategies for their technical and financial feasibility as well as their environmental and climate compatibility, and prepares analyses of economic performance for the entire period under consideration.

Strategic Study on Expansion of the General Utilities Plant (GUP) of the Ruwais Industrial Complex, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company, TAKREER, engaged Fichtner to conduct a strategic study on expansion of its General Utilities Plant (GUP) at Ruwais Refinery. The GUP supplies electricity as well as desalinated, distilled and demineralized water to the adjacent industrial complex. In view of the planned extensive expansions of the facilities that the GUP is supplying, a huge growth in the demand for electricity and water is expected in the future. The main aim of this study, covering the period from 2007 to 2020, is to draw up a general expansion plan for existing plants and identify the options for this. Then for the preferred option, an implementation strategy is to be proposed.

Feasibility study and technical support for an IPP power plant project, Iran

Fichtner supported Sumitomo in drawing up the bid for the Shirvan 1000-MW combined-cycle power plant in Iran. In advance of the bid submission phase, Fichtner prepared the feasibility study for this IPP project. The services rendered additionally included the plant layout and design, presentation of the environmental requirements and the operation and maintenance procedures as well as technical optimization of the plant. Fichtner also rendered consultancy services with regard to creation of the EPC structure and the distribution of functions and formulated the Energy Conversion Agreement (ECA).

Pre-feasibility study (masterplan) on raising electricity exports from Russia to China up to 2015, Russian Federation

The Russian electricity utility RAO UES is planning to increase electricity exports to China up to a power rating of 10 GW by 2015. During an initial phase, in the near future, starting in 2008, between 600 and 700 MW are to be supplied. This power is to be provided from the existing power plant inventory, under consideration of rehabilitation measures, in the Eastern and Siberian network territories. To cater for the rising export requirements, starting in 2010 new power plants are to be constructed. To this end, in a masterplan Fichtner identified potential power plant sites, checked the existing grids for their power wheeling capacity, and supplemented these by new transmission lines. On the basis of the economic analysis, the costs for the additional power supplies to China were determined and a tariff model worked out.

Feasibility study for Baruun Turuun and Chargait mini-hydropower plants, Mongolia

On behalf of the European Commission, Energy department, Fichtner prepared a feasibility study for the two mini-hydropower plants at Baruun Turuun (200 kW) and Chargait (8 to 20 MW). Financing is through the European Investment Bank.

Revamping energy supplies to a papermill, Germany

For reconfiguring the energy supplies to two paper manufacturing sites operated by Papierfabrik Palm KG, within the framework of a techno-economic study Fichtner worked out an optimized concept for supplying steam and electricity. Particular attention was paid to cost-effective and environmentally friendly recovery for use of paper production wastes. A range of plant options was examined by drawing up thermodynamic balances for differing load cases and various fuels. These were evaluated with regard to their technological status, efficiencies and, as a key concern for paper manufacture, high availability. Economic performance was investigated by determining the operating costs as well as the specific electricity and heat generation costs for each option.

Conceptual study on optimizing the power supply to a specialty products refinery, Germany

Having so far been supplied with power and process steam exclusively from the existing power plant, a refinery for the production of pharmaceutical raw products and lubricating oils is in future to cover a major proportion of its steam requirements from an adjacent waste incineration plant which is under construction. It was against this background that Fichtner developed an overall concept for the future supply of energy to the plant, consideration being given both to the secure disposal of the H₂S-containing gases produced during hydrogenation and also to the supply of the refinery with heat and power.

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Market and tariff studies:

Analysis of capacities for manufacturing large-scale power plants worldwide

Analysis of the worldwide market for large-scale power plants, presently characterized by a major shortfall in manufacturing capacity, with a forecast of developments in coming years; in a first step, quantification of capacities for development, manufacture and construction of (large-scale) power plants on the basis of the performance attained in past years, followed by identification and analysis of components and resources giving rise to this shortfall; investigation of the future influence of new markets on manufacturing and processing of components in the present production regions of power plant manufacturers.

Market and feasibility studies for a 220 MW combined cycle power plant, Cyprus

During an initial phase, on behalf of a private investor Fichtner is preparing market and feasibility studies for a 220 MW combined cycle power plant. Apart from optimization of the plant to match local conditions, this encompasses an analysis of the local electricity market. Additionally, a financial model is being prepared and a sensitivity analysis conducted to simulate various plant configurations as well as cost and revenue scenarios. During the second phase, Fichtner is supporting the investor in preparing the documents needed for obtaining a license from the national regulatory authorities as well as in compiling information for banks that are to be co-opted for project financing. In this connection, initial talks are held with gas suppliers and plant component vendors, regulatory authorities and interested banks.

Tariff study for Kenya’s electricity sector

In Kenya, KPLC is responsible for electricity transmission and distribution, whereas power generation is in the hands of KenGen. Pending developments of the Kenyan electricity market require unbundling of the present distribution and transmission functions. With the objective of developing efficient structures for wholesale electricity sales tariffs, power wheeling tariffs and retail consumer tariffs, and to set their levels while defining appropriate tariff adjustment mechanisms, Fichtner undertook a tariff study. To test the financial repercussions of the new tariffs on the development of individual enterprises in the electricity sector, financial forecasts were prepared for seven years. The results were explained and discussed with customers and affected companies during a seminar, held over several days.

Study on electricity tariffs and their influence on the competitiveness of local industry, Saudi Arabia

Fichtner advised the National Industry Council (NIC) in relation to the analysis of electricity tariffs in Saudi Arabia and their influence on industry. A first stage involved a general examination of the present tariff structure and tariff policy. This was followed by the interviewing of 55 selected companies throughout the entire country with regard to their power consumption structure, the impact of the tariffs on production costs and their ideas and interests concerning a change in the system of tariffing. On this basis, Fichtner developed a recommendation for a new tariff system.

Study on national electricity tariffs as the basis for the introduction of cost-covering tariffs as well as for the commercialization of Electricité de Laos (EdL), Laos

The government of Laos plans in the medium term to commercialize or privatize the country's generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. Fichtner, together with its partner Electrowatt-Ekono, carried out a tariff study as an important element in the preparation of this project. The purpose of this study was to develop a tariff structure which both covered costs and was also to a large extent not dependent on cross-subsidization. The tariffs were developed on the basis of a determination of the long-term prime costs and also using a comprehensive finance model. In collaboration with EdL, various tariff scenarios were developed and evaluated and a time schedule for gradual introduction was proposed.

Study for examining the methodology and parameters of the long-run marginal cost (especially the WACC) of CCGT power plants, Singapore

On behalf of the regulatory authority for the electricity sector of Singapore, Fichtner prepared a study for examining the technical and economic determinants of the Long Run Marginal Cost (LRMC). This involved, in particular, an examination of the methodology and parameters for determining the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) and the development of proposals for the adjustment thereof.

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Integrated resource planning:

Updating the electricity masterplan for Rwanda

The electricity masterplan is to be brought up to date to cover the period up to 2025. For this purpose, the Fichtner-Decon Joint Venture under the leadership of Fichtner was awarded a contract to investigate the existing electricity system, including power plant inventory, present the demographic development, and prepare an electricity demand projection up to 2025. Also included is an analysis of existing energy resources including renewables, calculations of distribution networks, a financial analysis, environmental impact assessments for existing and new plants and facilities, an electricity tariff study as well as a draft concept for the rural electrification program, with cost breakdown.

Master plan for the electricity sector, Oman

On behalf of the Ministry for Electricity and Water in Muscat, Fichtner prepared a forecast of the energy demand in Oman up to 2015 and delivered recommendations with regard to the construction of additional power plants, transmission lines and power distribution systems.

Study on reform of the industrial sector for the state of Bihar, India

For the International Resources Group (IRG), Washington, Fichtner prepared a study on the reform of the power sector in Bihar. This study involved both load forecasts and also recommendations for the long-term upgrade planning of power plants against the background of the possible optimization of costs. Possible energy price strategies were also proposed in this connection.

Advising of a Chinese power utility, People's Republic of China

On behalf of the Asian Development Bank, Manila, Fichtner supported the Chinese power utility Electric Power Henan (EPH) in relation to upgrade planning covering all energy sectors and on the basis of a least-cost structure. Furthermore, a concept was developed for long-term upgrade planning of the power grid and EPH staff were trained in relation to the newly introduced measures.

Energy savings and modernization of the electricity supply, People's Republic of China

On behalf of Stadtwerke Leipzig GmbH, Fichtner participated for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) in a program to introduce actors from the Chinese energy sector to the use of energy-saving and resource-conserving methods and technologies. This project focused in particular on state-of-the-art grid planning and grid operation management in relation to the supply of energy. In addition, the aim was to make power consumers more aware of efficient power use and reliable grid operation.

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Least cost planning:

Study on development of the Emirates National Grid (ENG), United Arab Emirates

The study analyzed the benefits of merging four power grids in the United Arab Emirates. As part of the profitability appraisal, Fichtner evaluated various technical solutions. Above all two approaches were adopted for this purpose: firstly, for a comparison of two states – with and without interconnection – the methodology of Loss Of Load Probability (LOLP) was employed in order to identify the capacity savings from an interconnected system. Secondly, EMSY – an optimization tool for the operation scheduling of power plants – was used in order to calculate the operational savings. In addition to a commercial analysis, a cash-flow model was also developed.

General study of the electricity sector, Uzbekistan

Fichtner was awarded a contract by the European Commission to prepare plans to upgrade the Uzbek power and district-heating grids on a least-cost basis. Against this background, Fichtner also studied the possible exchange of power with neighboring countries as well as possible customer billing and management information systems.

Study on rural electrification, Indonesia

Within the framework of the rural electrification of the outlying islands of Indonesia, Fichtner prepared a study on the expansion of the power distribution system. While giving consideration to the special promotion of small hydropower plants and other renewable energy forms, Fichtner determined the upgrade planning sequence on the basis of least-cost expansion planning. In addition, a technical and economic study was performed for each individual measure. The services rendered also included recommendations on implementation planning, a socio-economic study, including possible effects of the measures on the resettlement of sections of the population, and an environmental impact assessment.

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Network studies:

Calculation of a multi-loop condensate system, Germany

As part of the restructuring of condensate management at Combined Heat and Power Station-South operated by the Munich Municipal Utility (SWM), Fichtner was commissioned to perform the hydraulic calculations for a multi-loop condensate system with three connected power station units, a heating station and various condensate sources. These calculations were used for the overall design of the condensate pressure rail and the condensate pumps. Dynamic pressure maintenance in the rail – dependent on condensate withdrawal – was simulated by Fichtner using a special network calculation program.

Mapping of process plants in heat flow diagrams, Germany

Under a contract awarded by DEA Mineralöl AG, Wesseling plant, Fichtner mapped the petrochemical refinery and its associated power plant in heat flow diagrams. This also included the representation of various process plants which were under construction or at the planning stage. In this connection, the respective water-steam systems were visualized and the overall system was thermodynamically calculated for different load and operation cases. Possible optimization potentials in relation to the use of energy were also analyzed.

Network planning for the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

As a consequence of the many construction projects, the peak load in Dubai is projected to rise from its present 4000 MW to 10,500 MW in 2012. Because supply of this level of power is only possible by direct power plant infeed into the 400 kV network, in connection with planning of the Jebel Ali M 1800 MW Power Station, Fichtner was entrusted by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) with a full investigation of the 400 kV transmission network, under consideration of all relevant steady-state and dynamic planning and operating criteria. Also analyzed for this purpose were network-specific problems like voltage stability and asymmetric breaking capacities of the 400 kV circuit breakers. Furthermore, Fichtner conducted system studies for tie-in of the new Baraha 400 kV substation and investigations into possible conversion of the 400 kV and 132 kV energy corridors in Jebel Ali from overhead lines to cables.

Network extension planning for Singapore

For over twenty years, Fichtner has been involved in extending Singapore’s transmission network. The first study for this megacity through parallel operation with Malaysia was followed at the end of the eighties by studies to introduce a 400 kV level with long-term expansion of the transmission level. Today, due to the disproportionate increase in load and energy market liberalization, the concern of short-circuit capacity has again arisen in many substations. So the transmission network operator, SP PowerGrid, commissioned Fichtner with reviewing unconventional methods for limiting short-circuit currents, including devising new concepts for neutral-point connection of the 400/220 kV and 220/66 kV transformers as well as the feasibility of installing current limiters based on power electronics. For this purpose, sophisticated simulations were conducted, that were substantiated by a synthesis of experience made round the world with short-circuit current limiters and discussions with manufacturers on the construction and operation of large ungrounded transformers.

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