01 June 2020

Work on the 700MW concentrating solar power (CSP) plant being built for the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) by Noor Energy 1 is progressing as per schedule despite the Covid-19 disruption, said the owner’s engineer Worley. The project is part of the fourth phase of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

Noor Energy 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 procedures 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 video-conferencing 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.

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.  

• Tender issued for sub-sea power network
• Abu Dhabi announces $1.49bn residential packages for citizens
• Empower extends network by over 320km
• Banned cladding ‘cause of Sharjah building fire’
• Key test completed for Unit 4 of nuclear plant
• Johnson Arabia gets Maeda Spider Cranes
• Sharjah to set up new development authority
• 700MW solar project on track despite challenges
• Dewa signs deal for MBR park Phase Five
• RTA completes 37pc of Khawaneej project
• In brief

Tags

Kuwait Railways Lighting Quarrying Forklifts & Boom Lifts Lifts & Escalators Just Out Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Legally Bound Real Estate Architecture & Design Contractors Interiors Tenders Manufacturers & Procurement

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.