Renewables overall

Hydropower

Bioenergy

Wind energy

Solar energy

Geothermal energy

Renewables overall:

Study on alternative energy supplies, United Arab Emirates

In the vicinity of Fujairah National Airport, Al Hail Industrial Free Zone is to be developed in coming years on an area of 900 ha, for which purpose light and heavy industry, warehouses and office buildings are to be established. It is estimated that the electricity demand for this scheme will require an additional 250 MW generating capacity, for which an appreciable part is to be covered by regenerative resources. Fichtner was awarded a contract by the project developer to prepare a study to identify the technical and economic criteria for alternative technologies. Coming into consideration are solar thermal power plants, photovoltaic systems, cold supply on the basis of geothermal energy and solar collectors, waste-to-energy plants, exploitation of biomass from the date harvest and Jatropha cultivation, as well as wind power.

Institutional strengthening and masterplan for application of regenerative energies as well as raising energy efficiency, Bahamas

In view of the country's dependence on imported oil and for climate protection, the Government of the Bahamas awarded a contract to Fichtner to investigate financial and operational sustainability of the state-owned energy utility, the Bahamas Electricity Corporation. Its expansion planning was analyzed and alternatives to fossil-based electricity generation worked out. Fichtner then, firstly, investigated the technical feasibility of various regenerative energy sources while raising the energy efficiency of public buildings, households and hotels and, secondly, derived key conditions for the institutional framework.

Long-term strategy for statewide green energy supply, Germany

The Ministry of the Environment of Rhineland-Palatinate contracted Fichtner to draw up a ‘Lead Scenario 2030’ for the State of Rhineland-Palatinate. On the basis of the State’s key energy and climate policy objectives and assuming a range of development scenarios, the study shows how, through a long-term strategy for energy conservation, raising energy efficiency, expanding renewable energies and increasing the share of on-premises power supply, a secure, affordable and low-carbon energy supply can be attained.

Evaluation of a renewable energies incentive program for the heating market, Germany

Under its market incentive program, the German federal government is promoting expansion of renewable energy exploitation in the heating market by providing capital investment subsidies and easy credit. In terms of volume, this program is one of the biggest of its type in the world. The Federal German Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Reactor Safety entrusted a joint venture led by Fichtner with independent evaluation of the measures for the period from 2009 to 2011. This includes development of an objective indicator system with the help of which the program’s success is to be comprehensively assessed. On this basis, recommendations are derived for detail control and adapting the program, to ensure that support funding is put to optimum use.

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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.

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Power plant rehabilitation, power transmission and power distribution, Democratic Republic of Congo

Through the World Bank-funded Regional and Domestic Power Markets Development Project (PMEDE) for electricity development for domestic consumption and for export, the supply for 9 million inhabitants of the capital, Kinshasa, is to be secured. For this purpose, the hydropower plants Inga I (6 x 55 MW) and Inga II (8 x 160 MW) with their intake channel and dams are to be rehabilitated, a new 250 km long 400 kV transmission line with switchgear installations is to be constructed from Inga to Kinshasa and, finally, the capital’s distribution network rehabilitated and extended. Fichtner was awarded a contract by the national electricity supply utility Société Nationale d’Electricité (S.N.EL) with detailed engineering, drawing up technical specifications, preparing tender documents and monitoring project execution.

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 78 MW. In addition to planning, Fichtner drew up the specifications and tender documents, conducted contract award negotiations, and supervised construction.

Feasibility study for a 1200 MW hydropower project, Malaysia

Under the “Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy Program”, implementation of five hydropower projects is planned by 2020 in the East Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo. With an installed capacity of 1200 MW, the Baram Project is the second biggest hydropower scheme in Sarawak. A 150 m high roller compacted concrete dam is planned to impound the River Baram over a length of 80 km. During the first phase of this study, Fichtner identified and assessed project options and, during a second phase, a detailed investigation is undertaken of the favored options, with assessment of all technical, environmental and economic aspects.

Rehabilitation of a 54 MW hydropower plant, Haiti

Financed by development banks, the project is intended to rehabilitate both the structural and electrical/electromechanical components of Péligre Hydropower Plant – Haiti’s most important power plant – which is equipped with three 18 MW Francis turbines. Also included is inspection of the dam for possible earthquake damage followed by supervision and support of all rehabilitation measures. The provided services ranged from checking the tender documents through bid evaluation and design review to trial operation and staff training.

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

Energiedienst AG was constructing of a new run-of-river hydropower plant in Rheinfelden downstream of the old 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 was erected in the axis of the new weir. Also to be installed wasa 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 was necessary in the River Rhine along the Gwild Nature Reserve.

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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 Engineer for a waste wood-fired power plant, Belgium

In Flanders, a project developer is erecting a biomass-fired power plant that is supplied per year with 180,000 tons of waste wood of types B and C and attains an electrical output of 25 MW. Fichtner was retained as Lender’s Engineer to oversee the construction and commissioning phases.

Techno-economic review of a biomass-fired power plant project, Chattisgarh State, India

An already operational and CDM-certified power plant rated at 10 MWe is fired to 80-85% with biomass comprising rice husks and to 15-20% with Indian coal. Fichtner conducted a due diligence review under the criteria: overall technical concept and realization, licensing situation, fuel supply, economic constraints and conditions, capital and operating expenditures, and remuneration for grid infeed under a power purchase agreement. During a tour of inspection, project implementation was checked, in particular with a detailed consideration of fuel logistics for the long-term sustainability of fuel supply.

Feasibility study for expanding CHP utilization in palm oil mills, Thailand

For two palm oil mills in the South Thai Province of Chumporn, Fichtner was contracted to assess the potential for energy recovery from production and vegetable wastes. The possibility for expanding power generation by the existing combined heat and power plant through additional firing of residues from palm oil cultivation and production was investigated, for which purpose various options for heat and power cogeneration were investigated under technical and economic aspects. In a subsidiary project, a biogas plant for power generation with gas-fired engines was investigated, with effluent from palm oil production that is now disposed of in settling lagoons to be used as feedstock. In connection with project development, the potential for emission reduction was also calculated to derive an estimate of the value of the CO2 certificates (CER) that could thereby be generated.

Technical consultancy and CDM project development for a biomass-fired CHP plant, Uruguay

An enterprise in the forestry industry is planning to erect, alongside its wood processing plant, Uruguay’s first combined heat and power plant on the basis of biomass gasification. The plant, with an overall rating of 12 MW, is to be supplied with eucalyptus wood residues and sawdust from the neighboring sawmill. The financier, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft, retained Fichtner as technical adviser to review the project and conduct a risk analysis as well as to monitor plant construction, commissioning and operation. Additionally, Fichtner assessed the current project status with regard to its registration as a CDM project, and calculated the potential for cutting CO2 emissions.

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.

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.

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Wind energy:

Consultancy services for developing wind energy projects, Croatia

The enterprise HEP Obnovljivi izvori energije d.o.o. (HEP OIE), a subsidiary of the Croatian energy utility HEP, that is active in the renewable energies sector, is developing and realizing projects with the focus on wind energy and biomass. Fichtner was retained by HEP to assist HEP OIE during various phases of wind energy projects, including planning of a 100 MW project at Krs Padene near Knin.

Lender’s Engineering for a 30 MW windfarm in Sicily, Italy

A project developer plans to erect a 30 MW windfarm equipped with wind turbines from Vestas. Within the framework of pre-financial close due diligence, Fichtner as Lender’s Engineer reviewed past planning activities with regard to wind turbines, grid tie-in of the windfarm, and the planned civil and electrical works. Also checked were supply and services contracts, maintenance contracts, permit agreements and the financial model.

Owner’s Engineering for Bisaccia 66 MW Windfarm, Italy

For a windfarm comprising twenty-two 3 MW wind turbines in Campania, Fichtner first assessed the market for various wind turbine models with technical appraisal of the available options. This was followed by a site assessment and definition of the procurement strategy for the complete windfarm. During the tender phase, Fichtner undertook planning services, prepared the tender documents and supported in contract drafting and negotiations.

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.

Owner’s engineering for a 37 MW wind farm, Macedonia

The client, AD ELEM-JSC Macedonian Power Plants, intends to construct and connect to the grid Macedonia’s first wind farm, with a total installed capacity of 37 MW. Fichtner was entrusted with tendering, contract award, construction supervision and commissioning of sixteen 2.3 MW turbines, including I&C and cabling, as well as infrastructure planning. In addition, the project is to be registered under the CDM of the Kyoto Protocol with training of the client’s personnel in CDM/CER supervision and monitoring.

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.

Lender’s Engineering Services for two Wind Parks, Turkey

Fichtner provided Lender‘s Engineering services for an international investor group interested in financing an existing wind park with an installed capacity of 24 MW and a projected 120 MW wind park in Turkey. Fichtner reviewed the contractor’s design and contracts for all project components (e.g., Wind Energy Converters, access roads and crane platforms, internal cabling and grid connection). Verification and calculation of energy losses for wind farm and grid connection were undertaken in the scope of this project. In addition to the determination of project risks and their classification, Fichtner also controlled and commented on provided time schedules and implementation.

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.

Project steering for grid connection of offshore windfarms, Germany

TenneT TSO GmbH is currently realizing three new grid connection projects in the German North Sea. The goal is to connect the planned/realized offshore windfarms to the German extra-high-voltage transmission system in the clusters BorWin2, DolWin1 and HelWin1 each within 36 months. Each grid connection project consists of an offshore platform with the connecting cables to the windfarms, transformer stations, switching stations, operation management systems and grid management systems at sea and on land. In order to support the sister company TenneT Offshore GmbH, a consortium headed by Fichtner has been contracted to provide project steering services.

Technical consultancy for a 400 MW offshore windfarm, Germany

Wetfeet Offshore Windenergy GmbH is developing the Global Tech I offshore windfarm in the North Sea with a total of eighty 5 MW wind turbines, for which Fichtner was appointed technical consultant. First, a structure for project organization and project management was elaborated with a risk management system and O&M concept. Further main efforts were directed to comparing tripod with gravity foundations, setting up the logistics concept and interface matrix, together with assessment of wind yield calculations and drafting the supply and service contracts.

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:

Technical advisor – technical due diligence for a 70 MW PV plant, Italy

For one of Europe’s largest solar photovoltaic power plants, Rovigo/Italy, Fichtner prepared an objective and independent due diligence review and supported the project as lender’s engineer during construction, followed by monitoring of operation. Counting to our services were review of contracts, site reconnaissance, review of technical design, evaluation of the solar resource and anticipated electricity yield, assessment of environmental impacts, and support during permit application. Finally, Fichtner conducted an inspection to certify plant completion for acceptance in compliance with the EPC contract.

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 470 MW Integrated Solar Combined Cycle Power Plant, Morocco

The Ain Beni Mathar solar hybrid power plant in Northeast Morocco near the Algerian border with two gas turbines and one steam turbine as well as a solar collector array with an area of over 183,000 m² can generate approximately 40 GWh of electrical energy over a year. Natural gas is piped in from Algeria and the power plant is tied into the national grid via a 225 kV transmission line. Fichtner Solar prepared the feasibility study and a financing model for the complete power plant, drew up the technical and commercial tender documents, evaluated the received bids, and conducted contract award and contract formulation negotiations. Fichtner was then awarded contracts by the national electricity supply utility, Office National de l'Electricité (ONE), with preparing the design review, site supervision, shop acceptances and commissioning, as well as technical support during the two-year guaranty period.

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 evaluated bidders’ proposals and conducted contract award negotiations. Further on Fichtner performed design review, site supervision, commissioning, and monitoring operation during the warranty period. Our activities encompass project management and control, contract administration, cost planning and project scheduling as well as management of the interface between the solar and combined cycle islands.

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.

Test facility for PV and solar thermal components in Qatar

The Qatar Foundation is planning to erect a demonstration and test facility for solar energy technologies within the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). On behalf of the Qatari enterprise Green Gulf, that has taken on the responsibility for constructing and installing this test facility, Fichtner as Technical Advisor provided consultancy services for site selection, infrastructure planning, technology assessment, and testing and instrumentation concepts. A key benefit for suppliers of the equipment to be tested is the demonstration that their technologies will work under local conditions.

Transaction consulting and owner’s engineering for a 100 MWe solar thermal power plant, United Arab Emirates

The Shams One 100 MWe solar collector plant in Abu Dhabi is one of the biggest solar thermal facilities in the world. Acting as technical consultant, Fichtner initially supported the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC/MASDAR) in the project development phase. We were responsible for feasibility study, detail engineering and drafting of tender documents, and also oversaw the transaction through to contract award. As owner’s engineer, Fichtner is responsible for project management, design review of the EPC contractor’s documents as well as supervision of construction and commissioning.

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.

General planning of a 320 MW solar thermal power plant, USA

Hualapai Valley Solar Thermal Power Plant in Arizona is the biggest such plant in the world. Its 3.2 million square meters of parabolic mirrors, 200,000 tons of salt for the thermal storage facility and a solar field covering 3 x 5 km present a major engineering challenge. Solar power is generated even during peak load times in summer as well as in the evenings and on cloudy days with maximum security of supply, so the project becomes interesting from the profitability aspect. Fichtner Solar was awarded a contract for general planning of the power plant.

Feasibility study for rooftop mounted PV plant, Brazil

In preparation for the Soccer World Cup 2014 in Brazil, the State Government of Ceará is modernizing the Castelão soccer stadium to accommodate 56,000 soccer fans. Fichtner prepared a feasibility study for installation of a PV plant on the stadium roof. Fichtner’s services encompass comparison and selection of PV technologies, yield analysis, technical and economic appraisals, basic design, analysis of the regulatory framework for PV plants, and organizing and conducting information workshops for investors.

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.

Design of and preparation for geothermal investment transactions, Indonesia

The Indonesian Government plans to restructure the geothermal sector with the aim of better exploiting the country’s extensive geothermal resources and to improve the flow of private capital to construct geothermal power plants. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources contracted Fichtner to draw up competitive tendering procedures with standard documents for developing geothermal sites for which concessions have not yet been awarded. A further job package concerns developing incentives for expansion of power generation capacities in geothermal fields that have already been assigned to investors.

Due diligence for geothermal and hydropower projects, Nicaragua

With the aim of purchasing and upgrading a geothermal or hydropower plant, an international energy supply utility retained Fichtner to assess, under technical and commercial aspects, six selected geothermal and hydropower projects each at various locations in Nicaragua. These were investigated with regard to their present status, technical components, costs, economic performance, environmental compatibility, social acceptability, permittability and time scheduling, and they were then compared. To provide a common basis for the investigations, the power market was analyzed together with economic, legal and administrative constraints and conditions.

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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