Cleaner energy for Guam

Piti Power Station on the Pacific island of Guam has engaged BWSC to convert its plant from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to ultra-low-sulphur diesel (ULSD). The project shows a path forward for other diesel-based plants to comply with tightening emissions regulations.

The project started in March 2021 and is expected to run for 14½ months. It will ensure compliance with US EPA legislation by reducing the station’s sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. The project will increase thermal efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and retain capacity reserve during Guam’s transition to renewables.

BWSC provides project engineering, equipment as well as supervision, while carrying out the work with subcontractors in Guam to the benefit of the local community.

The project includes:

• HFO to ULSD engine conversion, including new homogenizer units, water emulsion system, and coolers for the ULSD system
• New CO oxidation catalyst reactors placed at the site of the original exhaust gas boilers – reusing most of the existing steel construction
• Replacement of HFO separators with a new fuel filtration system
• Decommissioning of the STG system and waste heat recovery system – including removal of exhaust gas boilers
• Installation of blind flange systems, allowing engines to continue operating while cassettes are changed on the oxidation catalyst reactors

The upgrade helps ensure cleaner and affordable energy to Guam’s residents and businesses. It will make the plant as efficient as possible and compliant with emissions regulations while we work on transitioning to renewable energy. MR. JOHN M. BENAVENTE, GENERAL MANAGER, GUAM POWER AUTHORITY

Piti Power Station was built by BWSC and commissioned in 1999. It is owned by Guam Power Authority (GPA) whose General Manager, Mr. John M. Benavente explained the importance of the project. “The upgrade helps ensure cleaner and affordable energy to Guam’s residents and businesses. It will make the plant as efficient as possible and compliant with emissions regulations while we work on transitioning to renewable energy.”

The power station contains two slow speed diesel units (DE8 & DE9) providing 88 MW of production capacity – approximately 30% of GPA’s daily dispatched load. The plant is operated by Marianas Energy Company (MEC).

MEC’s general manager Mr. Rino T. Manzano explained the reasons for choosing BWSC. “We have a long-time partnership with BWSC and they have always delivered on their promises. On this project they have shown commitment to finding the best solution and have delivered on all three key parameters: environmental, economic and technological. We look forward to working with them on this exciting upgrade project.”

Brian Jensen, senior sales manager of BWSC hopes that many other fossil-fuel power plants will be inspired by this project. “By combining our customer focus with expertise in designing, building, operating, and servicing power plants, we can help upgrade other plants and ensure reliable, efficient and cleaner power generation for years to come.”

We have a long-time partnership with BWSC and they have always delivered on their promises. On this project they have shown commitment to finding the best solution and have delivered on all three key parameters: environmental, economic and technological. MR. RINO T. MANZANO, GENERAL MANAGER, MEC