Dewa's 700MW solar project on track despite Covid-19 challenges.

Work on the 700 MW concentrating solar power (CSP) plant being built for the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) by NoorEnergy 1 is progressing as per schedule despite the Covid-19 disruption, said the owner’s engineer Worley.

NoorEnergy 1 is a consortium of Dewa and Saudi-based Acwa Power, a leader in power generation and water desalination projects.

Contractors from Spain, China, Belgium, Denmark and the US have rallied to minimise labour, schedule and budget disruption after bringing in measures to keep workers on-site safe and staff from home well-connected.

For the smooth continuation of work, Shanghai Electric, the project’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor with Noor Energy 1 and the construction subcontractor partners, implemented a specialist virus prevention and control procedurea including supplying personal protection equipment (PPE) to all workers, said the consulting firm Worley.

Located globally, Worley is providing engineering, technology and technical review support to the project, and has been able to adapt its service as Covid-19 has progressed with workers staying connected through videoconferencing and regular project meetings.

With global travel restrictions limiting staff movement and many staff unable to return following the Chinese New Year, Shanghai Electric replaced them with local workers.

With the ability to work remotely, design and engineering work remains largely unaffected, said a top official. 

"It’s a credit to every stakeholder involved that this strategically important project has progressed minimising schedule impacts despite facing significant logistical, staffing and supply chain challenges," remarked Gilein Steensma, the Vice President (EMEA) Energy Transition, for Worley said.

“It is a real testament to the commitment of the UAE to lead on the energy transition and showcases the combination of geographical distribution and strong capabilities of the contractors and subcontractors to adapt their approach to work around Covid-19 on what was already a technically challenging build,” stated Steensma.

On completion, the $4.4-billion project will be the world's largest CSP plant housing a 100-MW central tower plant (CT), three 200-MW parabolic trough (PT) plants and 250 MW of photovoltaic (PV) capacity.-TradeArabia News Service

13 May 2020

Trade Arabia