Fluor Corporation announced February 19 that its 242-megawatt power project for Newmont Mining Corporation in Eureka County, Nev., was named a “Top Plant” by Power magazine. As the engineering-procurement-construction (EPC) contractor, Fluor helped drive the project to successful completion, which led to performance testing 10 weeks early with full load being achieved a mere 27 days after first fire-on-coal. Completed in May 2008, the facility was commissioned only 27 months after full notice-to-proceed.
“The TS Power Plant is an excellent example of the future of modern pulverized coal plant design and makes the plant an easy ‘Top Plant’ selection,” said Robert Peltier, PhD, editor-in-chief, Power magazine. “It boasts a full complement of the most advanced technologies that would be the envy of any coal plant owner.”
“This project exemplifies how high safety standards coupled with industry-leading environmental performance, world-class design, expert construction and procurement can be leveraged for client success,” said David Constable, Fluor’s Power Group president. “Also, our project team worked 3 million hours without a lost-time accident and was recognized with a ‘Safe Partner Award’ by the State of Nevada.”
In addition to the outstanding safety record, Fluor aggressively pursued value throughout the project’s design and construction exemplified by the following benefits and cost savings to Newmont Mining:
· Fluor’s final cost estimate delivered more than $15 million in capital cost savings.
· High unit reliability during start-up led to power sales target being positive by $3 million.
· Early substantial completion provided power savings of approximately $10 million.
· Increase in power output and improved heat rate is projected to save Newmont millions of dollars in power sales over the life of the plant.
To achieve the maximum plant efficiency and low emission standards, a modern steam cycle design was incorporated. Very low NOx limits on this project were accomplished through best available control technology that reached 0.067 lb. per million Btu over a 24-hour rolling average. Although regulatory uncertainty slowed the permitting phase of the project, Fluor focused on completing the project as early as possible and within budget.
“Fluor is pleased to have assisted Newmont Mining with its ‘Top Project,’” said James Mackey, vice president of Fluor Power Group’s solid fuel business line. “Our project team worked collaboratively with Newmont throughout this project to deliver both an innovative design and world-class technology within budget, while beating the schedule.”
A prime objective of any Fluor project is making the communities in which our employees live and work a better place. This was exemplified in Elko, Nev., by numerous community relations activities of which the local project team was involved including food drives, support for Boy Scouts assisting the U.S. military, local land conservation, and youth development programs.
