Tulcea, Romania Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Non-Technical Summary
Vimetco Power
October 2011
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
WSP Environment & Energy WSP House, 70 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1AF Tel: +44 (0) 20 7314 5000 www.wspenvironmental.com 1152332
Issue/revision Issue 1 Revision 1 Revision 2 Revision 3
Remarks Issued Final
Date August 2011 October 2011
Prepared by Project Team Project Team
Signature
Checked by Ian Williams Ian Williams
Signature
Authorised by Neal Barker Neal Barker
Signature
Project number 00022002.00002 00022002.00002
File reference
WSP Environment & Energy Tulcea ESIA NTS 1
Figure 1: Site Location Plan
1 INTRODUCTION
Vimetco NV is proposing to construct a new Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant at the existing Alum
SA alumina refinery plant in Tulcea, Romania.
This Non-Technical Summary presents the key
information relating to the Project to allow all
stakeholders involved to understand the planned
investments and the potential impact on the site and
surrounding area. The information in this document is
based on the findings of an Environmental and Social
Impact Assessment (ESIA).
Vimetco is a globally integrated aluminium company,
with bauxite mines in Sierra Leone, coal mines,
aluminium production facilities and electricity plant in
China and with alumina refinery and aluminium
smelter in Romania.
Vimetco owns an alumina refinery in Tulcea. The
plant, which has recently been modernised, processes
bauxite from Sierra Leone, which then supplies the
alumina for Alro, the Company’s smelter in Slatina.
Alro provides primary and processed aluminium. The
quality of Vimetco’s processed products in Romania
has been recognised in a number of industries.
1.1 FUNDING FRAMEWORK
Vimetco has approached a number of international
financial institutions including the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for co-
financing of the proposed CCGT plant.
In line with International Finance Corporation (IFC)
policy, the Equator Principles and the EBRD’s
Environmental and Social Policy (2008) for Category A
projects, there is a requirement that an ESIA be undertaken to assess all environmental and social issues associated
with the construction and operational phases of the development.
Romanian legislation also requires that a local Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be produced in support of the
development to meet local permitting requirements. This is being prepared separately by Vimetco.
This Non-Technical Summary describes the findings of the ESIA, including the potential impacts on the environment
and local inhabitants, and measures that have been implemented to eliminate, reduce or mitigate those impacts.
These measures are detailed in an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), which will be implemented for the
Project.
A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been prepared which describes the key stakeholders and the information
and communication plans intended in respect of the proposed CCGT plant. The SEP takes into account best
international practice in relation to information disclosure and outlines the general engagement principles that Vimetco
will adopt. The SEP will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
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Figure 2: Illustration of a typical CCGT Unit
2 WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THIS DEVELOPMENT?
2.1 OVERVIEW
The proposed development is for a 244MWe / 171.9MWt CCGT that will be constructed to current European Union
‘Best Available Techniques’. The site for the CCGT is located in the industrial zone of Tulcea city, Romania,
approximately 240km to the Southwest of Bucharest. The CCGT facility is to be situated within the Alum SA site,
approximately 1.5km to the northwest of the main town centre. The Alum SA refinery site is approximately 45ha in
size and the CCGT site area equates to approximately 6.4ha and is located in the north eastern section of the Alum
SA site.
2.2 BACKGROUND
CCGT plants simultaneously produce useful heat and electricity from the same source of fuel. This increases the
efficiency of fuel burning, thereby reducing damage to the environment and increasing economic output through more
efficient use of resources. The general principle is that the hot exhausts of a gas turbine are used as the heat source
for generating steam to drive another turbine, thus extracting more useful energy from the fuel source (i.e. the natural
gas), increasing the system's overall efficiency.
The electricity generated by the proposed CCGT plant will be utilised to meet current demands at Alum SA in Tulcea
and Alro Slatina with surplus electricity being sold to the Romanian electricity market. Alum SA in Tulcea will utilise
the majority of the heat output with the remainder being utilised for district heating within Tulcea town.
The proposed CCGT plant at the Alum SA site will be designed to be approximately 82% efficient.
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Figure 3: Proposed site layout plan
2.3 THE PROPOSED CCGT PLANT
It is anticipated that the construction phase will take approximately three years to complete.
The CCGT plant will include:
A single shaft F class gas driven turbine;
A heat recovery steam generator;
A condensing steam turbine with associated steam extractors and cooling towers;
An electrical generator; and
A chimney stack, currently estimated to be 60m high, for the discharge of combustion products.
When operational the CCGT plant is expected to employ approximately 40 people. The CCGT plant is expected to
operate for approximately 8,000 hours per year and will provide heat and power for Alum production facilities as well
as district heating for Tulcea city. The unit will be designed to incorporate the Best Available Technologies (BAT).
A new administration building is to be constructed including parking spaces for up to 20 cars. The existing workshop
building will be renovated / refurbished and utilised as a workshop and storage building for the new CCGT plant. All
roads within the site will be 7m wide to ensure easy access to every new building and structure within the proposed
development.
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Figure 6: Natural gas pipeline connection
Figure 5: Possible extension routes of hot water network
Figure 4: Proposed CCGT site location
3 WHY IS THIS DEVELOPMENT REQUIRED?
There is a recognised issue of potential energy shortages in Romania as a result of a lack of investment in the existing
soviet-era power stations and associated infrastructure. The CCGT plant is being proposed to provide security of
electrical supply at the Alum SA Alumina refinery site in Tulcea and the Alro SA aluminium smelting works in Slatina
located approximately 380km to the southwest of the Alum SA site.
Heat generated by the plant will be used by Alum SA as part of the alumina refinery process and excess heat will be
used for district heating within Tulcea City.
Any additional electricity produced by the CCGT plant will be sold the Romanian electricity market or utilised in
potential reserve situations (i.e. as back up for wind turbine projects).
4 WHY IS THIS A GOOD LOCATION?
The proposed location of the CCGT plant currently represents
a section of the bauxite storage area that is no longer used as
part of the existing Alum SA operations. Therefore
constructing the CCGT plant in this location would not result in
development occurring on previously undeveloped land (i.e.
greenfield land). Furthermore, it will be situated within a
predominantly industrial setting with numerous heavy
industrial processes being located within very close proximity.
As
mentioned above, the increased efficiency of this type of
energy generation facility comes about as a result of utilising
the heat output from the combustion process. Alum SA
requires large amounts of heat during the alumina refinery
process and by locating the CCGT plant within close
proximity the heat output would utilised close to the source
further maximising its efficiency and reducing the amount of
infrastructure required. Additional heat output not utilised
during the Alum SA refinery process would be utilised within
the existing Tulcea District Heating System.
Finally, the primary infrastructure for the CCGT plant is
already in place with sufficient gas supply being available
without the need to upgrade the external mains supply,
the existing Alum SA water abstraction and waste water
treatment facility have capacity to accommodate the
requirements of the CCGT plant. All additional
infrastructure requirements would only need to be
constructed within the Alum SA site.
All of the above factors make the proposed location
perfectly situated for the CCGT plant.
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Figure 7: Residential dwelling adjacent to site
5 WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF THE PROJECT TO THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND THE ECONOMY?
It is considered that development of the CCGT plant will bring multiple benefits to the Tulcea area.
During the construction phase skilled and unskilled labour will used, where possible, from Tulcea and the surrounding
local areas. Consideration will be given to a local construction firm being commissioned although this will be
dependent on the local companies having the appropriate level of expertise and Vimetco’s contractual issues.
Furthermore, it is likely that construction materials will be purchased from local businesses operating in within the
Tulcea area wherever possible.
During the operational phase it is anticipated that up to 40 permanent jobs will be generated. It is envisaged that the
majority of the employment opportunities that will be provided will be taken up by local people.
It is considered that the single largest benefit to the Tulcea community is likely to be the use of the heat output from
the CCGT plant for the district heating system which could result in supplying heating at a lower cost for the
municipality as it is regulated by ANRE. It is not clear though how much of this decrease will be reflected in the
consumption price for the population, as the current price is subsidised by the City Hall and subsidies will be probably
be removed as a result of European Union requirements;
The operation of the CCGT plant will generate new taxes and revenues and that will help improve the Tulcea City Hall
finances and should ultimately benefit the local population.
6 POTENTIAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT
Although, residential properties in close proximity to the site are already subject to significant levels of disturbance
from the existing industrial nature of the surrounding land uses, the construction works may cause additional
temporary disruptions to the local community. Temporary negative health and safety effects may arise from an
increase in traffic movements, an increase in dust levels, and an increase in noise and vibration. To reduce the impact
of this, local residents within close proximity to the
site (i.e. the Roma community) will be kept informed
regarding the progress and the possibility of
disruptions associated with specific elements of the
construction works through regular stakeholder
meetings. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)
has also been prepared to support the project. This
includes a grievance reporting mechanism for local
residents to report any issues or submit complaints
about activities associated with the plant. The SEP
also sets out the procedure which Vimetco will use to
investigate and report back on any issues.
As mentioned above the main positive impact of the
Proposed Development will be the supply of hot water
to the district heating system. In addition, the
operational phase will generate long term
employment opportunities.
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Figure 8: Annual NO2 Concentration plots for all Sources
During the operational phase all site activities will be conducted in line with the Vimetco health and safety policy and
implemented through an environmental management system to ensure that workers and local communities are
adequately protected.
The main health and safety risks to the closest local communities (i.e. the Roma community) include potential slight
increases in noise and air quality emissions from CCGT plant on the residential areas.
Consideration will be given to utilising noise mitigation measures associated with the existing site fencing and / or
fencing associated with the closest residential dwellings. Best Available Techniques (BAT) will be adopted within the
design of the CCGT ensuring that emissions are minimised to an insignificant level. Furthermore, the separation
distance between the bauxite storage area and the closest residential properties will be increased due to the location
of the CCGT plant.
Based on the above, it is considered that impacts to the closest residential dwellings, including the Roma community,
will be reduced to an insignificant level. In addition, it is considered that following the implementation of process
design and mitigation measures levels of noise and air quality may actually be improved as a result of the CCGT plant
when compared to the existing conditions at the closest residential properties.
7 WHAT WILL BE THE KEY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT AND HOW WILL THEY BE MITIGATED?
7.1 AIR QUALITY
The potential impact of the proposed CCGT plant on local air quality has been assessed during both the construction
and operation phases.
Due to the close proximity of some residential
receptors, potential impacts during construction
phase are considered to be moderate to major prior
to the implementation of mitigation measures.
Adopting dust suppression techniques and ensuring
the construction vehicles are well maintained to
minimise emissions will seek to ensure that
construction phase impacts are reduced to minor.
The operation of the CCGT plant could potentially
give rise to increased pollutant emissions, however,
the CCGT plant is being designed to include Best
Available Techniques (BAT) including dry, low NOx
burners for gas firing and the use of natural gas as
the exclusive fuel for the plant. In addition, all plant
on-site will be subject to a regular inspection and
maintenance programme.
These measures will ensure that plant emissions do
not exceed the relevant air quality standards. The
overall effects of the emissions from the CCGT plant
site are considered to be negligible.
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Figure 9: Tulcea Archaeological Map
7.2 NOISE AND VIBRATION
The potential impact of noise and vibration from the CCGT plant has been assessed during both the construction and
the operational phases.
Background noise monitoring has been undertaken across the proposed development site and in the surrounding area
to confirm the existing noise levels in the area and help determine potential for noise related impacts. Background
noise levels reflect that of a heavily industrialised area during both the day time and night scenarios and therefore the
sensitivity to noise from newly introduced industrial noise sources of all residential receptors in this environment is
likely to be low.
The impact of noise from all stages of the construction of the CCGT plant is predicted to be negligible; the only
exception to this is at the very closest residential receptors where the impact will be minor. Best practice measure will
be implemented during construction to minimise noise levels, where possible.
Changes in total ambient noise as a result of the new CCGT plant is expected to be negligible during the daytime and
minor at night. To mitigation this minor impact consideration will be given to adopting noise reduction measures
associated with the existing site fencing and / or fencing associated with the closest residential dwellings. In addition,
annual monitoring of the boundary noise level is recommended in accordance with the guidance in the IFC
Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines Thermal Power Plants.
7.3 ARCHAEOLOGY
During the preparation of the ESIA, is was identified
that the proposed development lies in close proximity
(within 300m) to the site of Aegyssus, an Iron Age
habitation, a fortified Roman settlement and later
Medieval suburb.
The construction of the existing workshop building and
the former bauxite storage basin are likely to have had
a negative effect upon possible buried archaeological
assets.
Site investigation data indicates the presence of
disturbed ground to a depth of approximately 1.9m
below ground level within the former bauxite storage
area meaning that possible archaeological remains to
this depth are likely to have been disturbed. However,
it is possible that archaeological features may be
preserved beneath the bauxite storage area.
To mitigate the potential impact on archaeological
assets an archaeological watching brief has been recommended during constructions works (i.e. foundation
excavations) beneath the disturbed material zone within former bauxite storage.
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Figure 10: Existing Drainage Network Plan
7.4 SOILS AND CONTAMINATION
The proposed development site is located within the former bauxite storage area within the site boundary of Alum SA
Alumina refinery plant. Existing slightly elevated concentrations of contamination have been identified on site although
all contaminant concentrations were below the relevant Romanian alert levels for an industrial land use for heavy
metals and hydrocarbons.
Best practice mitigation measures in line with EU guidelines will be implemented ensure that any potential impacts
relating to the storage and use of hazardous materials on the site are reduced and / or eliminated during both the
construction and operational phases.
These will include removal existing waste materials within the bauxite storage waste and assessment of the potential
for asbestos containing materials within building fabric of the workshop building; identifying designated construction
traffic routes and site accesses to minimise the risk of accidents; having appropriate storage areas with concrete
surface for hazardous materials, fuels and chemicals; all site drainage to be directed to the existing Alum Water
Treatment Facility; ensuring site staff have environmental awareness training; and, having emergency plans in place
to ensure that accidents they are dealt with as quickly and as effectively as possible
7.5 WATER QUALITY AND DRAINAGE
The proposed development has the potential to impact on surface and ground waters from the disturbance of existing
waste materials storage within the bauxite storage area; due to the possible release of uncontrolled discharges and
accidental spillages, the storage and use of hazardous substances and materials and general construction activities
during the construction and operational phases of the development.
Mitigation measures to protect water
quality include the removal of all existing
on-site waste materials, taking soil
samples and analysing and assessing
them against the relevant Romanian
standards to demonstrate that
potentially contaminative materials have
been removed from site and no longer
pose a potential risk to surface and
groundwater.
Mitigation will also include obtaining
groundwater samples and analysing and
assessing the results in line with
Romanian standards to ensure that
groundwater quality does not represent
a potential source of contamination and
is appropriately managed. Where
necessary, a remediation strategy
should be developed and implemented
across the site to minimise and / or eliminate the potential risk to groundwater quality.
All chemicals and hazardous substances will be stored on site in appropriate areas (such as within designated areas
for hazardous substance storage) as well ensuring that adequate management plans are in place to minimise the r isk
to surface and ground waters.
Assuming that appropriate measures are implemented it is considered that potential impacts associated with water
quality can be adequately mitigated to reduce and / or eliminate potential effects.
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8 WILL THE PLANT BE DESIGNED TO THE BEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE IMPACTS?
The proposed CCGT will be designed according to Best Available Technologies (BAT) and Vimetco are committed to
adopting this approach.
Some of the key features of the CCGT plant that meet the main BAT for the design of combustion plants are outlined
below:
Low NOx burners will be installed within the CCGT plant resulting in reduced levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx). NOx
emissions are committed to be <50mg/Nm3;
CO emissions are committed to be <100mg/Nm3. The DCS system will ensure good combustion control;
The use of natural gas as the exclusive fuel for the plant will ensure SO2 and PM10 emissions are minimised as far
as practicable;
The electrical efficiency of the plant is forecast to be 46.66%. Although this is lower than BAT (54-58%) this is due
to the fact that heat will be the key provision of the proposed CCGT plant and is therefore accepted that the overall
efficiency (heat and electric) is very high. Net thermal efficiencies will be in the region of over 80% to a maximum of
up to 83%. The use of efficient gas turbines and an efficient steam cycle is considered BAT; and
Continuous emissions monitoring systems will be in place for particulates and combustions gases (NOx, Carbon
Monoxide and SOx) along with flow rate, temperature, oxygen and water vapour.
9 WHAT IS FEATURED IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL ACTION PLAN?
An Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) has been developed which is relevant to both the development of
the proposed CCGT plant by Vimetco and the upgrade of the existing Alum facility.
The key considerations relevant to the development of the CCGT plant include the following:
The appointment of an Environmental Manager at corporate level for Vimetco Power
The development of environmental, health and safety, and quality management system documentation based on
the requirements of the CCGT plant.
Ensuring that all legal documentation and permits are in place for the CCGT plant prior to construction and as
required throughout the construction phase.
Investigation of mitigation options for potential noise and vibration on local housing.
Developing a procurement policy for both construction and operation phases of the proposed CCGT plant to
ensure that suppliers and contractors are assessed according to their quality, health and safety, and environmental
management systems.
With regard to the upgrade of existing plant, the ESAP includes the following items:
Undertaking a review of all fuel and chemical storage tanks with regard to their integrity and capacity.
Review of the existing Alum site HSE induction process to ensure that PPE is worn as required and HSE concerns
are appropriately managed.
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Undertaking asbestos surveys of the existing site to ensure that appropriate management and mitigation is in
place.
Ensuring that air dispersion modelling is undertaken for existing Alum plant.
Undertaking flooring, safety barrier, and machine guard surveys of the existing buildings to ensure that site safety
is improved.
The key consultees identified in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) include the following:
Mayor’s Office of Tulcea
Environment Protection Agency (Tulcea, Dobrogea Region, Galati Region)
Tulcea Social Work Department
Tractebel
Informal Leader of the Roma Community
Counsellor of the Mayor for Roma Community
Local Residents
10 WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT?
Further information, including copies of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report and other
documents, can be accessed via the following website:
Vimetco website: http://www.vimetco.com/article/ccgt-announcement
Alum website: http://www.alum.ro/en/article/ccgt-announcement
A hard copy of the ESIA and other proposed development documents will be available for the public to view at the
Vimetco Power/Alum SA office in Tulcea, Tulcea City Hall and Energoterm office. Vimetco also intends to implement
a Grievance Mechanism to respond to any comments, concerns or complaints from affected communities and
stakeholders. Further details of this will also be available at the Alum SA, Tulcea office.
Also at the following: Vimetco Vimetco Power Rivergate Center No. 64, Splaiul Unirii 040036 Bucharest District 4 Romania Tel: +40 (0)21 408 35 00 Fax: +40 (0)21 408 35 82 Alum SC Alum SA Str. Isaccei, nr. 82, Tulcea, jud. Tulcea, 820228 Romania
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PRIMARIA MUNICIPIULUI TULCEA Strada Pacii nr. 20, Tulcea, Jud Tulcea 820033 ENERGOTERM Administrative office SC Energoterm SA Str. Isaccei nr 73, Tulcea, jud Tulcea 820207 EBRD (Bucharest Office) Metropolis Center 56-60, Iancu de Hunedoara Bd., 3rd floor, West Wing Sector 1, Bucharest Romania Tel: +40 21 202 7100 Fax: +40 21 202 7110
In the event of any concerns or comments please contact:
Vimetco Power/Alum SA Str. Isaccei, 82
Tulcea, jud. Tulcea
820228
Romania
Persoana de Contact:
Marian Cilianu
Tel. +40-240-535022
Fax: +40-240-535495
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.alum.ro
Vimetco Management Centrul Rivergate
Splaiul Unirii Nr. 64, Bucuresti, Sector 4
040036
Romania
Persoana de Contact:
Alina Rusanu
Tel. +40 (0)21 408 35 00 Fax: +40 (0)21 408 35 82
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.vimetco.com