The supervision of works in constructing energy facilities in Serbia is vital for ensuring projects comply with design specifications, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations. The Owner’s Engineer (OE) serves as the owner’s representative throughout the project, providing technical oversight, quality assurance and coordination with contractors and regulatory bodies. Here’s an overview of the supervision process and the integration of the Owner’s Engineer in energy facility construction.
Role of the Owner’s Engineer in energy facility construction
The Owner’s Engineer is an independent expert hired to guarantee that energy facilities—such as wind farms, solar power plants or thermal power stations—are built according to approved designs, budgets and timelines. Their responsibilities extend from the pre-construction phase through commissioning and final handover.
Key functions of the Owner’s Engineer:
- Design review and validation: The OE independently reviews engineering designs to ensure they are technically correct and comply with standards and regulations. They collaborate closely with the engineering team to verify the feasibility and efficiency of all components.
- Contractor selection and tendering support: The OE aids in evaluating bids during contractor selection, ensuring qualified and experienced contractors are chosen. They help develop clear technical specifications for tender documents and assess proposals based on cost and capability.
- Supervision of construction: The OE monitors all construction stages to ensure compliance with design documents and safety regulations. They act as the main point of contact between the owner and contractors, promptly addressing any on-site issues.
- Quality control: The OE oversees the quality of materials and workmanship, ensuring that construction meets required standards. They conduct regular inspections, review test results, and approve materials before they are used on-site.
- Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Compliance: The OE ensures contractors adhere to health, safety and environmental regulations throughout construction. They monitor safety plan implementation to minimize accidents and environmental impact.
- Commissioning and testing: After construction, the OE oversees the commissioning process, verifying that all systems (electrical, mechanical, structural) function correctly and meet performance standards. They conduct performance tests to ensure compliance with design specifications.
Supervision of works in energy facility construction
Supervising works during the construction of energy facilities in Serbia encompasses overseeing the entire process from site preparation to commissioning, ensuring the project meets technical, quality, and timeline goals. This legally mandated process, governed by the Law on Planning and Construction, involves coordination with local and national authorities.
Key supervision activities:
- Daily on-site supervision: The supervising team, including the OE, is present on-site to observe construction activities, ensuring adherence to technical drawings and monitoring progress against the project schedule. The OE addresses any deviations from the approved design in consultation with the owner and stakeholders.
- Inspection and approvals: The supervision team regularly inspects key construction aspects, such as foundations, structural assemblies, and electrical installations. The OE approves each stage of construction before the next phase begins.
- Monitoring compliance with Serbian standards: All energy facilities in Serbia must comply with national standards, including building codes, safety regulations, and environmental laws. The OE ensures adherence to the Serbian grid code and other industry-specific standards.
- Documentation and reporting: The OE maintains detailed records of construction activities, including daily logs and inspection reports. They provide regular progress reports to the project owner and ensure all documentation required for regulatory compliance is up to date.
- Change management: The OE assesses the impact of any proposed changes to the original plan during construction and advises the owner on the best course of action. They ensure changes are properly documented and communicated to stakeholders.
- Coordination with regulatory authorities: The OE liaises with local and national regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, coordinating inspections and facilitating necessary permits.
Health, safety and environmental (HSE) compliance
Ensuring compliance with HSE regulations is a critical responsibility during energy facility construction, with the Owner’s Engineer playing a pivotal role.
Key HSE responsibilities:
- Health and safety monitoring: The OE ensures contractors implement safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency response plans. They conduct regular safety audits and report any violations or incidents.
- Environmental protection: The OE monitors construction activities to prevent negative environmental impacts, overseeing waste management and pollution control according to the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Commissioning responsibilities
- Testing and performance validation: The OE oversees the commissioning process, ensuring all systems are tested and validated to meet design specifications. They coordinate and monitor tests, addressing any performance issues identified during testing.
- Handover documentation: The OE ensures all necessary operational documentation, including as-built drawings and compliance certifications, is completed and that permits are secured for the facility to operate.
- Final handover: After successful commissioning, the OE facilitates the formal handover to the owner, providing final reports and confirming that all activities comply with the contract, ensuring the facility is ready for commercial operation.
The supervision of works in constructing energy facilities in Serbia, along with the role of the Owner’s Engineer, is essential for the successful execution of energy projects. The OE provides oversight during design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring adherence to regulatory, technical, and safety standards. By integrating technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and construction supervision, the Owner’s Engineer helps deliver energy facilities that meet the owner’s expectations for quality, budget, and performance.
Powered by
www.clarion.energy
www.owners.engineer
