Guernsey Electricity Phase 2 – 12MW GRP Cooling Tower Installation | Vistech
Repeat GRP Cooling Tower Installation at Northside Power Station
Following a successful 24MW cooling tower replacement delivered in 2019, Guernsey Electricity selected Vistech again to implement a second-phase installation at the same site. Phase 2 builds on the proven GRP tower standard, delivering repeatable performance, improved maintainability and lower lifecycle risk in a coastal, corrosive environment.
The Challenge
Guernsey Electricity operates critical generation infrastructure supplying the island. In 2019, the site completed a major cooling tower replacement programme, introducing packaged GRP cooling towers engineered for low energy consumption and coastal corrosion resistance.
Phase 2 is a deliberate sequel: a repeat installation due to the increased duty seen from the plant that standardises the cooling tower solution across additional circuits, reduces maintenance burden and ensures reliability.
The system requirements demanded assured cooling capacity to support operational resilience and reliability of electricity generation, low-noise operation suitable for proximity to residential areas, materials and construction suited to coastal exposure and corrosion risk, and a repeatable, standardised solution to simplify spares, servicing and operator familiarity.
The Solution
Vistech proposed a second-phase deployment of packaged GRP cooling towers based on the same design philosophy proven in 2019 – factory pre-assembled modular construction towers for rapid installation, predictable performance and reduced site risk.
The solution comprises 2 x EWK 1800/09 induced-draught GRP cooling towers, each rated at 6MW (12MW total), with a repeat siting strategy adjacent to the existing concrete pond/sump to maximise reuse of existing infrastructure.
Key Technical Features:
- GRP (glass reinforced polyester) casing and structural sections for corrosion resistance in coastal conditions
- Anti-legionella Sanipacking® fill packing and high-efficiency drift eliminators
- High-efficiency spray distribution system with non-clogging nozzles for uniform wetting and sustained duty
- Induced-draught configuration with direct-driven fan/motor gear assembly (no belts) to reduce maintenance, improve reliability and increase efficiency
- Large pack access doors and CleanSafe flooring to support safe, repeatable inspection and pack maintenance
- VSD fan control with digital temperature control for stable outlet temperature and energy efficiency
Galvanised-after-manufacture support steelwork and walkways improve access and standardise future maintenance. Commissioning and handover were aligned to site operational constraints.
Scope of Works
GRP Cooling Towers
Design, supply, delivery and site assembly of 2 x EWK 1800/09 GRP cooling towers, each rated at 6MW.
Removal & Cranage
Full contract-lift cranage for tower placement onto the existing concrete pond structure.
Support Steelwork
Design and supply of galvanised support steelwork to adapt the existing concrete pond for the new tower arrangement.
Access & Safety
Walkways, handrails, GRP ladders and fan access platforms to standardise safe maintenance access.
Pipework
Stainless-steel pipework modifications and connections within the cooling tower pond area, including replacement isolating valves as required.
Electrical & Controls
VSD fan control, interconnecting wiring and stainless-steel external-rated control panel enclosure.
Programme
Mobilisation & Design
Client handover meeting (CPIM), GA drawings, structural engineer site visit and design sign-off.
Procurement & Approvals
Order and approval of steelwork, GRP access platform, flooring, pipework and control panel drawings. Parts delivery from mid-April through June.
Delivery of Components
Cooling towers, air intake screens, steelwork, GRP platforms, flooring, pipework and control panels delivered to site.
Tower Assembly & Steelwork
On-site assembly of cooling towers and support steelwork installation.
Cranage — Towers Lifted into Place
Contract-lift cranage placing towers onto the existing concrete pond structure.
Access, Pipework & Electrical
GRP access platforms, solid flooring, stainless-steel pipework and control panel installation.
Commissioning & Handover
System commissioning aligned to site operational constraints and formal handover to GEL operations.
“Following review of the proposal Vistech was selected based on proposed engineering solutions, along with their ability to deliver within required time together with resources and experience. Vistech previous work with our other four towers was professional, organised and delivered to an excellent engineering standard. They produced all drawings and technical documentation as required and were always available to discuss any changes or questions. During the design stage other operational situations within our business meant the timescales had to be altered and the project delivered to a quicker completion date and Vistech were able to support this and deliver the project ahead of schedule.”
— Dean Vizia, Lead Operations Engineer, Guernsey Electricity