Innovation in Global Power - Parsons Brinckerhoff

Hydropower – New Technologies, New Considerations
• Geotechnical and hydrologic investigations
• Field measurements of flow and sediment
• Transmission line conceptual design and cost
• Office studies of scope and cost of each of the site
developments
• Aerial survey and topographic mapping.
The field studies were a challenge to carry out due to the
very short viable weather season and limited in-country
resources. We met these challenges through careful logistics
planning and by using the help of technical specialists from
Iceland and Greenland, with those from Iceland having had
recent similar experience with the Kárahnjúkar Hydroelectric
Project. We also had PB staff in Greenland for various parts
of the study period to help with the coordination of activities
and carry out the geological studies.
Based on the findings from the field studies, we then:
• Carried out conceptual engineering for the dams, tunnels,
canals, roads and transmission lines
• Calculated the power potential for each site under
consideration, and did an economic analysis of power costs
• Assessed project risks.
Power Potential and Costs. As part of this effort, we did
extensive work on maximizing the power potential available
from increased inflows to reduce overall project and power
costs. This optimization was a particular challenge, but it was
required to help create an efficient construction cost of
power for Alcoa. This effort involved a review of the geologic
conditions on site, hydraulic inflow data, and aerial survey
data. With this information we were then able to configure
the project structures in a way that created the maximum
power possible given the inflow conditions and terrain. The
evaluation also dealt with projected long-term increases in
average annual inflow, where hydro development to date
looked at historical flow records over a long period of time
and evaluated wet and dry years during this period, as well
as long-term average flow, and assumed these trends would
continue in the future.
Risk Assessment. As part of this effort, we assessed the
project upsides and identified potential fatal flaws. This study
included a preliminary evaluation of natural hazards, such as
seismic impact on the project structures, drift ice and avalanche
hazard on transmission lines, reliability and redundancy of the
transmission lines, and geotechnical evaluation of the project
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civil structure foundation areas. These studies were carried
out by use of the aerial survey photos and on-site geologic
field survey of the expected civil works areas. Our results,
together with input from various consultants, gave us an initial
view of the project natural hazard potential. For example,
analysis of drift ice and avalanche hazard will directly influence
the final selection of routes for transmission lines. In turn,
the available, reliable transmission line routes influenced the
potential sites for optimal dam locations and the smelter
facility, as well as project costs.
Conclusion
On February 21, 2008, the Greenland Development, LLC,
identified Maniitsoq (Figure 2) as the favored location for the
smelter. To reach this decision, Greenland, in coordination
with Alcoa and PB, considered many project aspects such
as construction costs, nature and environmental issues, and
regional development.
Figure 2: Maniitsoq, the town selected as the preferred site.
At the time of writing, we are planning for the 2008 field
studies required for the project. These studies will provide
information that will enable us to further develop the
cost/schedule estimates and advance the project design. If
the project continues forward, construction is expected to
start in 2010 and be completed in five years with aluminum
production commencing at the end of 2014. This project is
expected to help Alcoa meet its global business objectives
while dramatically boosting the economy of Greenland and
enhancing the country’s profile in the rest of the world.
Related Web Sites:
• http://www.aluminium.gl/content/us
• http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/03/iceland/del-giudice-text
Jesse Kropelnicki is the lead engineer for the Greenland project. He is a structural engineer with almost ten years’ experience in hydropower, water resources and thermal
power projects. Jesse’s expertise includes detailed structural analysis and coordination of technical efforts.
Gillian Tucker is a civil engineer whose experience includes various aspects of hydroelectric dams and facilities. Her specific hydroelectric experience includes the preparation
of Part 12 safety inspection reports, supporting technical information documents (STIDs) and potential failure mode analysis (PFMA) reports in accordance with FERC.
Paul Shiers is a PB vice president with 38 years’ experience in hydroelectric power and water resource engineering. He is qualified as an independent consultant and PFMA
facilitator for FERC Part 12 safety inspections under the new FERC DSPMP requirements. Paul has served as project manager for multiple hydropower projects, and completed
an assignment as principal engineer for work performed under a multi-year continuing services agreement with FERC as the senior technical resource for hydro relicensing
and compliance tasks.
31 PB Network #68 / August 2008