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Case Study

TransAlta CCGT Power Plant

Power Optimization and Substation Feasibility Study

Location: Sarnia, Canada
Commodity: Electricity, Steam
Phases: Feasibility Study, Pre-Feed

Client Profile

TransAlta, a prominent North American company, operates and develops electric power generation assets in Canada, the US, and Australia.

Client Needs

TransAlta aimed to develop a robust power distribution infrastructure to redirect power from the grid to a new industrial park under development. This initiative involved diverting 150 MW of energy from the plant’s 450 MW capacity to the industrial park. The project scope encompassed installing new substations and power lines and conducting load distribution analyses to ensure seamless transitions between the grid and the industrial park. Additionally, optimizing low-pressure steam for resale as a commodity to the industrial park was part of the requirements.

TMG’s Contributions

TMG provided project management and engineering services throughout the feasibility study and pre-feed phases. The team conducted in-depth analyses, option evaluations, and cost estimations to provide TransAlta with comprehensive insights for decision-making.

  • Feasibility Study: TMG conducted a comprehensive feasibility and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study for the new facilities. This included analyzing multiple power distribution configurations and developing cost estimates for each option, incorporating generator upgrades as part of the steam balance optimization.
  • Pre-Feed: TMG developed a detailed FEED package and an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Scope of Work model. TransAlta is currently reviewing these Deliverables for implementation.

Results

The FEED (Front End Engineering Design) package, when integrated with the comprehensive EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) Scope of Work model, presents TransAlta with a meticulously outlined roadmap for executing the power optimization and substation feasibility study projects. By leveraging this synergistic approach, TransAlta can significantly augment its operational efficiency and seamlessly align with its overarching strategic goals in power distribution and steam optimization.

With the FEED package serving as the foundational blueprint, TransAlta gains a detailed framework for the project’s initial stages, encompassing feasibility assessments, conceptual design, and preliminary engineering. This structured approach ensures that critical aspects such as technical specifications, project scope, and resource requirements are meticulously addressed, laying a solid groundwork for subsequent project phases.

Furthermore, the integration of the EPC Scope of Work model further enhances project clarity and efficiency by delineating the responsibilities, deliverables, and timelines of each project stakeholder. This collaborative model fosters seamless communication, mitigates risks, and streamlines project execution, enabling TransAlta to navigate the complexities of power optimization and substation feasibility studies with precision and agility.

By embracing this comprehensive approach, TransAlta optimizes its operational processes and fortifies its competitive position in the energy sector. By implementing these initiatives, TransAlta demonstrates its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering value to its stakeholders, ultimately driving long-term success and resilience in a dynamic marketplace.