Project Overview
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) is installing 464 megawatts of fuel- efficient, combined-cycle power generation in its existing steam plant. The addition will increase output by more than 100 percent for a total combined output of 864 megawatts.
After a false start with another engineering company, PREPA contracted with our wholly owned subsidiary, Washington Engineers PSC (WEPSC).
Phase I of the contract called for an analysis of previous engineering work as well as assessment of equipment that had been purchased for the project. In addition, the contract called for completing the balance-of-plant engineering and procurement and providing construction/startup services for the repowering project.
Phase II of the project is the continuation and completion of the total engineering, procurement, and construction of Units 5 and 6.
Highlights & Accomplishments:
- Challenges included installing equipment in areas where existing foundations and underground electrical conduits and drainage tunnels were set 50 years earlier during the original project design. This project is being performed with updated designs and technologies and is on schedule for completion in September 2007.
- We are working with suppliers to expedite validating equipment that has been dormant and in storage for six years.
- The plant will be operated as a base loaded plant with up to 15,000 hours of operation per year for the two units with a gross output of approximately 470 MW.
- The plant is being designed to operate on light distillate oil (LDO) with spatial consideration for a possible future conversion to dual fuel with the addition of natural gas firing capabilities.
- Over 2,000,000 work hours without a lost day case