Full steam ahead for SA power plant

AN IMPORTANT milestone was achieved in mid-November for the Sohar Aluminium project, with the synchronisation of the dedicated power plant’s first gas turbine with the Oman Electricity Grid.

The successful synchronisation enables the power plant to begin commissioning each of its gas turbines to ensure the generators are fully tested in advance of the smelter start-up in mid-2008.

General Manager – Power Plant, Mr Niall O’Byrne, said the achievement was the result of a great team effort, and expressed his appreciation to the Regulator, Procurer, System Load Dispatch, the Oman Electricity Transmission Company and Oman Gas Company in achieving this milestone.

“This very significant accomplishment was achieved with the utmost concern for safety, quality and schedule,” Mr O’Byrne said. “It is important to also note that the contractor, Alstom, has achieved seven million man hours with only one lost time incident since construction commenced in 2005.”

The power plant, located at the Sohar Port, consists of four gas turbines and two steam turbines. Each gas turbine is capable of generating about 165 MW and will consume about one million cubic metres of natural gas per day.

“On completion of the project, the power plant will be capable of generating 823 MW power,” said Mr O’Byrne. “All four gas turbines are also capable of generating full power with oil that will be used as a back-up fuel.”

The combined cycle power plant is designed for very high efficiency. Evaporative coolers have been installed to reduce the temperature of air entering the compressors and supplementary firings of the heat recovery steam generators are some special features incorporated to maintain efficient power production during the summer season.

The gas turbines are also installed with special burners to minimise emission.