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For further details about the event, simply visit the event website.
Please briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience within the power industry
John Burnett (JB): I’m currently responsible for a portfolio including two CCGT plants. I’ve twenty years of experience of O&M in thermal power plants, mainly in the UK and Middle East.
What are the top challenges facing your industry at present?
JB: Enabling thermal power plants to support the energy transition and the move to net zero whilst maintaining and improving safety and performance standards.
How would you say your industry has evolved over the past five years?
JB: An increase in the volatility of power and gas markets following geo-political events coupled with increased renewable generation means the operation of thermal power plants has changed significantly.
What developments are going on in your industry that may have an impact on future approaches to power plant operations and the wider power industry?
JB: Increase in use of renewable energy will likely change thermal power plant from base load to standby generation – back up supply. This has an effect on investment, staffing and many other operational decisions.
Why is it important for operations and maintenance engineers to come together at this event?
JB: To understand how different parts of our community are adapting to changes, and appreciate best practice for improving safety and performance.
Why is it important to address operations safety and reliability concerns in a forum such as this?
JB: Safe operation is at the core of what we do – working to ensure everyone goes home safely and our communities are not adversely affected by our operations. As asset lives are extended and operational regimes become more unpredictable, ensuring process safety becomes more challenging.
The Power Plant Operations and Flexibility seminar takes place on 27 April in Birmingham
Led by the Institution’s Thermal Power Committee, the seminar’s core focus will be on thermal power plants, exploring common technical challenges and presenting solutions to them from key, industry-specific case studies.
Presentations will include input from senior engineers at Uniper, NAES, BWSC UK Generation Services, Engie, Sulzer and more, together with input from Health and Safety Executive and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
For further details about the event, simply visit the event website.