pwr_february-2025 - 7

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
He explains that most original equipment
manufacturers (OEMs) proactively
approach supply chain challenges to mitigate
risks, leveraging global networks
for flexibility. " We can access stock that
was originally planned for other projects
in the longer term. Additionally, close
monitoring allows for the identification
of required parts at an early stage as part
of predictive maintenance, " he says.
GE Vernova's strategy is similar, entailing
a proactive, collaborative approach
with its customers (Figure 2). The company
closely monitors its customers'
equipment and provides advance warning
of potential failures. In addition, Guerrero
says it helps customers pre-position
critical spare parts to minimize downtime
in the event of an issue. For example,
when GE Vernova identified that the
generators at a 20-year-old power plant
in Taiwan were nearing the end of their
life, it advised the customer to purchase
a spare stator and rotor in advance. Two
years later, the rotor failed, but because
the spare part was already on-site, GE
Vernova was able to quickly replace the
rotor, getting the customer back online in
just seven days, he says.
The Rise of Third-Party O&M
Services
In another important trend, given modern
complexities and evolving risks in
the power sector, many utilities and
power companies are increasingly turning
to value-driven partnerships, often
through third-party O&M service contracts.
These partnerships encompass
project management, robust training
programs, detailed plant assessments,
and the adoption of tailored best practices
to optimize operations. Many are
designed to leverage economies of scale
and advanced remote operations, providing
utilities with cost efficiencies and
enhanced reliability in managing diverse
energy assets.
" For many plant owners, O&M is no
longer a core focus, " Guerrero explains.
" Their priority is on generating and selling
energy, which opens the door for
third-party providers like us to step in
with specialized expertise. But it's not
just about taking over operations-it's
about adding value. By leveraging performance-based
contracts and advanced
technologies, we focus on aligning our
services with plant owners' goals for
reliability, efficiency, and profitability. "
Guerrero notes that performance-based
contracts are increasingly becoming a
defining feature of third-party O&M serFebruary
2025 | POWER
3. Operational since June 2023, the Kela PV Plant Phase 1, located in Sichuan Province, China,
stands as one of the world's largest hydro-solar hybrid power plants, combining 1 GW of solar
capacity with the 3 GW Lianghekou Hydropower Plant. The site exemplifies advanced O&M
practices in a challenging environment. Given that it is situated at an altitude of 4,600 meters,
the plant endures extreme cold and high winds. Using a smart O&M platform with features like
remote monitoring, automated fault detection, and real-time diagnostics, the plant minimizes
manual intervention and ensures reliability. Courtesy: Huawei
vices because they play a pivotal role in
aligning incentives with plant reliability,
availability, and efficiency. The contracts
ensure accountability by incorporating
measurable metrics, such as performance
guarantees, and often include
penalties for underperformance as well
as rewards for exceeding targets. " This
model ensures that everyone is focused
on the same goal: maximizing the plant's
performance, " he says.
Global renewable energy developer
Invenergy- a company known for its
extensive portfolio of wind, solar, and
storage projects-also highlighted the
value proposition. The company says
it approaches O&M services with an
" owner's mindset, " a philosophy that ensures
top-tier maintenance practices and
builds trust within their communities. " In
addition to prioritizing safety, Invenergy
Services' other O&M pillars deliver benefits
to customers through innovation,
flexibility, and cost savings, " it says.
O&M's Future: Tech and
Sustainability
According to experts, the future of O&M
in the power sector will be shaped by two
transformative forces: technological innovation
and the global push for sustainability.
Already, as power generation grows
more complex, modern O&M practices
are increasingly integrating cutting-edge
technologies like predictive analytics, autonomous
systems, and maintenance
strategies. " The future of operations and
maintenance will heavily depend on integrating
AI with digital tools to analyze data
in real-time. This allows us to predict iswww.powermag.com
sues
before they occur, saving costs and
improving asset performance across the
board, " says Guerrero.
Obenauer echoes this point. " We
know that the future lies in digital transformation,
and AI is a major focus. By
applying AI to fieldwork and O&M processes,
we're already testing how to
enhance efficiency and reliability while
aligning with the workforce and industry
needs. " AI-driven solutions also promise
to unlock new opportunities in lifecycle
management, she notes. " By centralizing
asset data, companies can use AI
to optimize resource allocation and focus
on long-term asset health while navigating
complex operational challenges. "
On the other hand, sustainability
will support the general charge toward
cleaner energy sources, such as accommodating
new technologies and hybrid
configurations (Figure 3). Companies are
exploring how to integrate emerging solutions
such as hydrogen retrofits, thermal
energy storage, and batteries into
power plants, all while keeping costs
low, maintaining reliability, and minimizing
environmental impact.
As Guerrero stresses, a key takeaway
is that O&M will need to be flexible and
responsive rather than rigid. " You can
navigate the sea as a cruise ship, or you
can be a motorbike on the beach moving
quick, and that's the idea, that's what
we are doing, " he explains. Ultimately,
proactivity will be necessary for nimble
adaptation to keep pace with the changing
landscape, he says. ■
-Sonal Patel is a POWER
senior editor.
7

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