The importance of the pre-construction phase in the construction of industrial and energy projects...

Whilst, for many, the construction phase is arguably one of the most exciting & fulfilling elements of the lengthy process of completing large-scale industrial and energy projects such as Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants or Energy from Waste (EfW) plants - second only, of course, to the full handover! - it’s actually the pre-construction phase that can make the most difference, both to the completion, as well as the long term success and viability, of a project.

Our project process

Although every project is unique and every one of our clients has different and very specific requirements - no one-size-fits-all! - we do adhere to a specific and tried & trusted process when working on a project; following 6 distinguishable stages -

• Feasibility

• Planning

• Pre-Construction

• Construction

• Commissioning

• Handover

Feasibility: The initial phase of the project process, feasibility spans conceptual plans and the review of technical solutions; creating a business case and funding proposition, to establishing indicative timescales and financial analysis.

Planning: This phase focuses on the planning application, establishing the technical team, outlining designs, and submitting plans, alongside building the commercial strategy, early stage consents and operational plans & permits.

Pre-Construction: The third phase in the project process, pre-construction typically begins with the identification of work breakdown packages followed by design & specifications; once these have been completed, we’ll undertake the tender process [if required] and discharge planning conditions. Next comes CDM appointments, getting commercial agreements in place, creating a detailed programme and finally developing and analysing CAPEX and OPEX Costs for inclusion in our financial modelling process.

Construction: This phase sees us supervise the construction and produce monthly progress reports, as well as commercial management and change management.

Commissioning: The fifth phase in this 6 phase process, commissioning begins with the completion of the construction process, followed by operational trial runs; the thorough testing of working parts, and operation & maintenance manuals.

Handover: This final phase sees us handover an operational facility with safety files and O&M files, alongside the management of the final accounts.  

The pre-construction phase

Of the 6 phases that make up our project process, we consider the pre-construction phase to be one of - if not the - most important phase of the whole process.

This is because the pre-construction phase can -

1. Add value to the project in question

2. Significantly reduce investor risk

3. Significantly reduce the risks of fault and/or failure following completion

This is because our pre-construction phase pays particular attention to process design; simply due to the fact that more detailed analysis of process designs can iron out potential issues and flaws early on in the project which will inevitably significantly reduce investor risks - risks we often see realised when renewable energy projects such as AD plants and EFW plants either fail to complete or are forced to shut down shortly after completion.