Integrating risk management into EPCM
www.snam.itBrownfield projects require experience in planning and forecasting and adaptability in program management
How SNAM proved to be “the ideal partner” in managing a complex regulatory-driven shift in compressor technology for one of Central Europe’s leading TSOs.
NOxER II – The project
Regulatory constraints on NOx emission have driven TAG – which operates the pipeline system transporting gas from the Slovakian-Austrian to the Austrian-Italian border-to a major technological shift. 4 new electrically driven compressors ELCOS had to be installed instead in 3 compressor stations while the existing compressors in a fourth compressor station had to be restaged. It was a substantial project for TAG, both strategically and operationally.
Timing constraints had to be met, and additional challenges were inherent in the brownfield nature of the project. TAG decided it needed a partner to guarantee the project’s success.
THE TAG-SNAM partnership
In November 2015 SNAM was contracted to provide EPCM services for the NOxER II project for 3 years. The contract duration was then extended by up to 12 months in order to have SNAM on board also in the closing phase of the project.
SNAM was selected not just because of its specific know-how in ELCO compressors but because it had long-term experience in managing complex EPCM projects.
This experience proved to be crucial when it came not just to managing but also to foreseeing risk in the planning and forecasting phases.
Coupled with technical ingenuity and with adaptability in the program management tools deployed, it was a key ingredient in solving unexpected challenges and bringing the project to a successful completion.
NOxER II in figures
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Over 135 Million EUR
CAPEX
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47.000.000 W
Installed power
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426.000 hours
Work effort
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32
Number of subcontractors on site
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27
Contracts assigned
STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES
OF THE MOVE TO ELCOS
- No flue gas emissions (NOx, CO, CO2 etc.)
- Minimized noise emissions
- Minimized start-up time
- Wide operational window
- ‘Hybrid’ system allows optimization of fuel costs (electricity vs. gas)
- High efficiency
- High reliability and availability
- Low maintenance costs
- Avoiding the potential need to install waste heat recovery units
Everyday problem solving
