MechChem Africa January-February 2023

⎪ PowerGen,PetroChem and Sustainable energy management ⎪

Construction Limited ACWA Power, a lead ing Saudi developer, investor and operator of power generation plants, and Chinese engineering company SEPCOIII, managed the project – and they required a reputable contractor to execute the construction of the project’s critical structures.” Tshivhidzo adds that the experience of working with an international, diverse and multi-cultural client proved to be interest ing and a worthwhile learning experience for the Grinaker-LTA team. The contract awarded to Grinaker-LTA’s Civil Engineering division consisted of the scope of work to construct the following critical structures in the thermal power plant: • Steam generation structure. • Molten salt pump’s structure. • Hot salt storage tank. • Cold salt storage tank. • Water treatment plant civils. • Fire protection water pump house civils. • Demineralised water storage tank. • Effluent collection area. • Retaining wall. Tshivhidzo notes that the Grinaker-LTA sec tion of the project is due to be completed in December 2022 – with the overall project scheduled for completion in 2024 – and that ACWA Power and SEPCOII managed the project extremely well. He goes on to highlight major project challenges relating to: tight timelines and a tight budget, management of engineer ing changes required, and integrating the different ways in which the teams from the three countries worked. “We addressed these through wise use of resources, positive contract negotiations, and adopting a mindset that was willing and able to adapt to different cultural expecta tions and ideas,” he says. “Grinaker-LTAwas

The 100 MWRedstone CSP plant is the first project financed CSP in the world with a molten salt central receiver, and one of the largest investments in South Africa under the REIPP.

ticipation in the Redstone CSP project is a source of immense pride to the company: “This is a milestone REIPP, a fast-track project requiring rapid, responsive man agement and involving mul t i -nat ional companies which have invested signifi cantly in the global and local renewable energy market . We are p l eased and humbled to have played an active role in supporting South Africa’s renewable energy programme and facilitating energy generation, for the future sustainability of the country as a whole. As Grinaker-LTA, we are pleased to have completed our section of this pivotal renewable energy project on time and on budget in December this year – and hope to continue playing a key role in similar projects which will contribute to energy security and benefit the economy and South Africa as a whole,” he concludes. http://grinaker-lta.co.za

pleased to assist our international clients, smoothing the way as they adjusted to the South African construction environment. This included many aspects, from gaining an understanding of South African labour laws, local weather and physical conditions on site, to the requirements of partnering with local communities and businesses.” “The project is having a positive impact on the local communi ty and economy overall,” advises Tshivhidzo. “By opening job opportunities and upskilling local la bour, as well as using local suppliers and sub-contractors, we employed 80 local employees who received on-site training and development. We also partnered with 20 local businesses that are providing us with products and services. As a company, Grinaker-LTA prioritises local spending and development of communi ty busi - nesses on our projects wherever possible.” Shaikh notes that Grinaker-LTA’s par

January-February 2023 • MechChem Africa ¦ 29