THE ENERGY INDUSTRY TIMES - APRIL 2017 at the beginning of March Siemens announced details of a strategic alliance agreement with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to support occupational training of around 5500 Egyptian workers over the next four years. The agreement aims to create a new sustainable training platform that will be servicing many industries and SMEs in Egypt. As part of the agreement, Siemens will join forces with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of BMZ, for the establishment and the operation of a joint training centre as well as the strengthening of one selected Egyptian public vocational training institute. The programme is designed in line with Egypt’s objectives outlined in ‘Egypt Vision 2030’ to promote long-term economic growth, create new jobs and increase the competiveness of Egyptian industries. The challenge of training workers and constructing the three CCGT plants is being done under tremendous time pressure. Certainly the schedule is ambitious. The first 4.8 GW has been brought on line in a record-breaking 18 months – with an over-achievement of 400 MW on top Special Project Supplement necesary condition to withstand the massive loads of up to more than 600 tons for some equipment brought to site. Siemens therefore decided to refurbish and develop a nearby fishing port in less than six months so it could accept the larger ships used for transporting equipment. “The advantage of this is that it is only 16 km from the site with no bridges to cross. This has really paid off,” noted Ullrich. The location of the plants has presented a challenge in terms of manpower. There are currently around 20 000 workers across the three sites and this number is expected to peak to around 25 000 during this upcoming summer. Yet sourcing workers has not always been easy – the remote location of Burullus has been a challenge. For New Capital, a commutable distance from Cairo, it has been easier. There is also a larger pool of skilled workers to choose from. Ullrich added: “It is only 40 minutes from Cairo and it is also easier to obtain the tools, etc., that might be needed for construction on a daily basis.” Beni Suef is a larger town and, likewise, sourcing workers is not too difficult. Notably, Siemens is supporting the training of a local workforce of 600 engineers and technicians that will run the plants after handover. In addition, of the projects’ contractual time schedule – and most of the remaining 9.6 GW will be close to completion by summer 2018. At Beni Suef, for example, the first gas turbine (designated GT42) arrived at North Sea Port in March 2016 and was connected to the grid by the end of November. Following performance testing and its reliability run, it was handed over for commercial open cycle operation at the end of March, 2017. The first steam turbine arrived at North Sea port in December 2016 and was placed on its foundation in January 2017. Chemical cleaning of the first HRSG will start at the end of July and first steam to the steam turbine is scheduled for mid-October this year. The reliability run of the combined cycle power plant is planned to begin in early 2018, before commercial handover of the first CCGT block (CC block 30) in April. The CCGT power plants for Egypt’s megaproject have set all kinds of records and milestones and will no doubt continue to do so. The project is not only the biggest in Siemens’ history but proves Siemens is able to execute these giant projects on time. “For Siemens, it’s an iconic project,” said Ghaly. “As a company we are very proud of it. Internally we have created new benchmarks to reach what we have already achieved in Phase 1, and hopefully will achieve in Phase 2. Having overcome the challenges of Phase 1, we are confident we will do the same in Phase 2.” The megaproject will supply the electricity needed for Egypt’s economic growth and meet the needs of a population that will grow from nearly 95 million today to 109 million in 2025 (based on UN estimates). “Forecasts show it will provide enough power to meet demand up until 2022/23, said Ghaly. “With the commissioning of the 14.4 GW, Egypt’s electricity challenges will be solved for the foreseeable future.” H.E. Dr. Mohamed Shaker, the Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, commented: “Siemens power projects will definitely make an important contribution to our power strategy. I believe these projects are a great example of how Egypt recognises the importance of working with international longterm partners, like Siemens, to drive the country’s sustainable economic growth.” At the inauguration of Phase 1, Joe Kaeser, President and CEO of Siemens AG was understandably proud of the efforts made in order to fulfil the company’s commitment to the Egyptian government. “We made a promise to Egypt and we kept our word. And by doing so, we not only over-achieved in performance, we also broke all records in modern turnkey power plant construction,” he said. “This was only possible by the outstanding collaboration between the government, the Ministry of Electricity, the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company and a dedicated and competent Siemens team. This underscores that Egypt and its people, and any other nation or partner, can count on Siemens to support mission-critical developments in their economy and society. Siemens is the best partner for such megaprojects, which can make a difference for entire nations.” In reflecting he concluded: “There have been a lot of historic moments and a lot of highlights, and it is a day that will be remembered… I am very proud of the Siemens team and of course of our partners. It has been a good day today, and now tomorrow we have to continue with the second phase.” The first H-class gas turbine being loaded in Rotterdam on to a heavy load carrier before starting the journey to Egypt Beni Suef: Only 18 months after the signing of the contract, Siemens has set a new worldwide benchmark for the execution of fast-track power projects
Energy Industry Times April 2017
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