Supervision of works in energy facility construction in Serbia

The supervision of works in constructing energy facilities in Serbia, along with the role of the Owner’s Engineer, is vital for the successful delivery of projects. This article delves into six key aspects of the process, detailing the roles and responsibilities in design, permitting, construction supervision, HSE compliance, commissioning and contractor management of energy projects in Serbia.

1. Role of the Owner’s Engineer in design review and validation

The Owner’s Engineer (OE) plays a critical role during the design phase of an energy facility project. Their involvement ensures the feasibility, technical integrity and regulatory compliance of the project throughout its various design stages. Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing conceptual and preliminary designs to ensure alignment with industry best practices and local regulations.
• Validating the technical feasibility of the design, confirming that all systems and equipment are optimized for performance and safety.
• Ensuring compliance with Serbian regulatory standards, including grid code adherence, environmental regulations, and safety protocols.
• Collaborating with the design team to incorporate operational needs and promote long-term facility sustainability.

2. Breakdown of the permitting process for energy facilities in Serbia

The permitting process for energy facilities in Serbia requires obtaining various permits from national and local authorities. The Owner’s Engineer helps navigate this complex process to ensure timely submission and approval of necessary documentation. Key stages include:

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• Location permit: This initial permit confirms the site’s suitability for construction. The OE collaborates with local authorities to ensure compliance with zoning and planning regulations.
• Construction permit: Following the location permit, the OE submits detailed project plans and technical specifications to obtain this permit, ensuring all documentation complies with the Law on Planning and Construction.
• Utility permits: These permits are needed to connect the facility to essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas. The OE coordinates with utility providers to facilitate these connections.
• Environmental permit: For larger projects, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required. The OE ensures the project meets environmental standards and mitigates potential risks.
• Operation permit: This final permit allows the facility to operate post-construction. The OE verifies that all regulatory checks and inspections are completed before this permit is granted.

3. Construction supervision and quality control methods

Effective construction supervision is essential to ensure that the energy facility is built to required standards. The OE oversees all construction aspects, focusing on quality control, safety and regulatory compliance. Key methods include:

• Daily on-site supervision: The OE is present on-site, monitoring contractors’ work to ensure adherence to design and technical specifications while resolving any issues that arise.
• Inspection and testing: Regular inspections and testing of materials and workmanship are conducted to verify compliance with quality standards.
• Progress tracking and reporting: The OE provides regular updates on construction progress, highlighting delays, deviations from the plan, and potential issues that need attention.
• Change management: The OE manages the approval process for any changes to the design or construction plan, ensuring all modifications are documented and do not compromise project quality or timelines.

4. Health, safety and environmental (HSE) compliance

HSE compliance is crucial during energy facility construction to protect workers, the environment and the long-term operation of the facility. The OE plays an integral role in enforcing HSE protocols. Key responsibilities include:

• Health and safety monitoring: The OE ensures contractors adhere to safety regulations, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with safety plans.
• Environmental compliance: The OE verifies that the project meets environmental standards related to pollution control, waste management, and emissions, particularly for projects requiring an EIA.
• Audits and inspections: The OE conducts regular audits and inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with HSE regulations, reporting any violations and implementing corrective actions.

5. Commissioning procedures and final handover process

Commissioning marks the final stage of the energy facility project, where the OE ensures that all systems are operational and meet performance standards. Key tasks include:

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• System testing: The OE oversees testing of all systems (electrical, mechanical, and structural) to ensure they function according to design specifications, including performance tests for grid compliance.
• Performance validation: The OE confirms that the facility meets all operational standards before final approval, addressing any defects identified during testing.
• Handover documentation: The OE ensures all required documentation is complete, including as-built drawings, equipment manuals and test results, and verifies compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Final handover: Once commissioning is complete, the OE facilitates the handover to the owner, ensuring the facility is ready for commercial operation and all legal requirements are fulfilled.

6. Contractor management and coordination

Effective contractor management is essential for successful project delivery. The OE plays a key role in coordinating between the owner, contractors and stakeholders to ensure smooth execution. Responsibilities include:

• Contractor selection: The OE assists in evaluating and selecting contractors during the tendering process, ensuring only qualified contractors are chosen based on technical capacity and cost-effectiveness.
• Coordination and communication: Acting as a liaison, the OE ensures clear communication of project goals, timelines, and expectations among all parties, managing any disputes that arise.
• Progress monitoring: The OE tracks the contractor’s work to ensure it aligns with the project schedule and quality standards, providing guidance to resolve issues swiftly.
• Compliance and reporting: The OE ensures that contractors comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and contractual obligations, providing regular reports to the owner on contractor performance and any deviations from the project plan.

In summary, the supervision of works in energy facility construction in Serbia, alongside the pivotal role of the Owner’s Engineer, is crucial for ensuring the successful execution of energy projects. By integrating expertise in design review, permitting, construction supervision, HSE compliance, commissioning, and contractor management, the Owner’s Engineer helps deliver facilities that meet high standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance.

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