Introduction to the Hirwaun Power Project
The Hirwaun Gas Fired Power Plant represents a significant advancement in the UK’s energy infrastructure. Located in the Hirwaun Industrial Estate near Rhigos village in the Cynon Valley, Wales, this 299MW power plant is being developed by Hirwaun Power, a subsidiary of DRAX Energy. As an engineer involved in designing critical RC Structures for this project, I’ve witnessed firsthand the innovative approaches employed in its construction. As a company specializing in advanced formwork for critical RC structures, we were engaged in this project due to the need for high-level formwork system. This involvement has allowed us to contribute directly to the project’s unique and demanding construction requirements.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
The Hirwaun Gas Fired Power Plant boasts impressive technical specifications:
- Capacity: 299MW, capable of powering approximately 150,000 households
- Technology: Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) using a Siemens SGT5-400F gas turbine
- Operational Design: Peaking power station with a maximum of 1,500 operational hours annually
- Rapid Response: Can start up from cold to full power in just 20 minutes
- Fuel: Natural gas supplied via a new underground pipeline connected to the National Gas Transmission System
- Environmental Considerations:
- Designed for future carbon-capture-and-storage technology integration
- Dry low NOx burners to minimize nitrogen oxide emissions
- Fin fan cooling system for reduced water usage
Project Involvement and Company Contribution
Finan Formworks, our company, was appointed to support our client and Contractor on the project, P J Hegarty, in delivering:
- Engineering temporary works solutions
- Formwork systems on hire
- Supervision support
Our role encompassed critical aspects of the plant’s construction, particularly in the RC Structures domain.
Engineering Challenges and Innovative Solutions
The project presented several engineering challenges:
- Tight Deadlines: Meeting stringent project timelines while ensuring quality
- Safety Standards: Maintaining 100% safety in a complex construction environment
- Technical Complexity: Integrating advanced systems like the SCADA-type control mechanism
To address these challenges, we implemented:
- Advanced 3D modeling for precise structural design
- Prefabrication techniques to enhance efficiency
- Rigorous quality control measures
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The Hirwaun Gas Fired Power Plant is designed with sustainability in mind:
- Provides crucial backup for renewable energy sources like wind and solar
- Employs a clean surface water run-off management system
- No on-site gas storage, minimizing environmental risks
- Equipped for future carbon capture technology integration
Operational Efficiency and Grid Integration
- Remote operation from Drax Power Station control room in Selby, North Yorkshire
- Electricity exported to the National Grid via a new underground cable to Rhigos substation
- Emergency diesel generator for safe shutdown during power failures
Conclusion: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy Infrastructure
The Hirwaun Gas Fired Power Plant project exemplifies how modern engineering can support the transition to a more sustainable energy future. By providing rapid-response backup power, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing the grid and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. As we continue to face global energy challenges, projects like these demonstrate the importance of innovative engineering in creating resilient and sustainable energy systems.
