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AF-Consult Switzerland Ltd

COMPANY PROFILE

2016

www.afconsult.com/switzerland
Contents
1 AF-CONSULT SWITZERLAND LTD ............................ 1
1.1 History ............................................................................................... 3
1.2 Organization and Structure ................................................................ 4

2 ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ............................................ 7


2.1 Hydro Power....................................................................................... 7
2.2 Thermal Energy .................................................................................. 8
2.3 Nuclear Energy ................................................................................. 10
2.4 Transmission & Distribution ............................................................. 11

3 ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY ........................... 12


3.1 Renewable Energies and Environment .............................................. 12
3.2 Groundwater Protection and Waste Disposal.................................... 14

4 SERVICES PROVIDED ........................................... 15


4.1 General ............................................................................................. 15
4.2 Management and Financial Advisory Services .................................. 16
4.3 Special Services................................................................................ 16

Copyright AF-Consult Switzerland Ltd

AF-Consult Switzerland Ltd


Company Profile 2016 - [Project number] ii
[Document name] - [Month Year]
1 AF-CONSULT SWITZERLAND LTD

An international consulting and engineering company

AF-Consult Switzerland is a leading Swiss engineering company with an extensive ser-


vice portfolio in all areas of energy and environmental technology. Whatever the size
of the project, customers benefit from the in-depth know-how and broad experience of
highly qualified professionals operating around the world.

As a company of the global F


Group, AF-Consult Switzerland
has access to a network of
several thousand employees.

Our company operates


through a global network in
which interdisciplinary thinking
and action play a key role. By
uniting proven processes with
innovative concepts, we create
integral solutions of landmark importance in the technical and financial areas.

Our first priority is to provide first-rate engineering services in all fields of energy and
environmental technology to secure our customers market success. In so doing, we
also strive to maintain and improve the quality of life while taking all possible
measures to preserve and save natural resources. To achieve this goal, we make use
of our companys know-how, our international market presence and the full range of
potential of our staff. AF-Consult Switzerland sees itself as an independent agent of
our clients, without affiliations to the suppliers, providing services aligned at all times
with the needs and standards of the customers.

Our customers benefit from:

Decades of technological and managerial experience, gained worldwide, in en-


ergy and environmental matters
Independent assessments and reviews
Highly qualified personnel
Multidisciplinary capabilities coupled with interdisciplinary working methods

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According to the different technological sectors and geographical areas of activity, the
AF-Consult Switzerland group is subdivided as follows:

Energy and environmental technology for the Swiss and international market.
The subsidiary companies of AF-Consult Switzerland support world-wide en-
ergy and environmental projects

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1.1 History
Although under different names, the history of our company starts back in the last
century around 1895 when a company named 'Motor' was founded, merging 1923 with
the company 'Columbus' to form Motor-Columbus Ltd as it is known today.

Motor-Columbus Ltd operated through the world for many decades playing a leading
role especially in planning, financing, constructing and operating power generation,
transmission and distribution systems.

In 1969 the Engineering division of Motor Columbus Ltd became a separate company
called Motor-Columbus Consulting Engineers Inc. still belonging 100 % to the Motor-
Columbus Group.

By that time, the nuclear power programs of Switzerland and the surrounding Euro-
pean countries was being developed and Motor-Columbus Consulting Engineers Inc.
was one of the major players.

In 1990, the Motor-Columbus Group was restructured and the engineering division was
renamed Colenco Power Engineering Ltd.

In 2007 Colenco became AF-Consult Switzerland and part of the international F


Group.

AF-Consult Switzerlands services continue on, concentrating on supplying consulting


and engineering services worldwide in all areas of energy and environmental technolo-
gies.

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1.2 Organization and Structure
AF-Consult Switzerland has a permanent work force of about 220 professional engi-
neers and technicians, supported by commercial and contractual specialists, adminis-
trative staff and up-to-date communication network, computing and CAD facilities.

Most of the staff are mem-


bers of Swiss and Interna-
tional Engineering Associa-
tions and some have served
on government advisory
committees, safety panels,
research bodies and educa-
tional organizations.

The activities of AF-Consult Switzerland can be divided into 6 areas of expertise as


shown in the chart below.

These activities are organised in 6 departments as shown on page 2, where by the de-
partment renewable energies and environment is combining the energy technology
with the environmental technology. Each of these 6 departments has its own annual
budget and is responsible for the commercial, technical and economic aspects of its ac-
tivities.

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For any given assignment, specialists from the different sectors and departments join
together in an integrated project team under the guidance and coordination of a pro-
ject manager and the supervision of the companys senior management.

Whenever required, affiliated companies contribute know-how in the fields of water


supply and treatment, urban drainage and sewage disposal, process engineering, envi-
ronmental impact studies, including monitoring and management of mitigation
measures, general civil engineering, as well as land surveying.

Control functions, support and assistance services available to the technical depart-
ments include:

Quality management functions at company level, controlling of the proper ap-


plication of quality control and quality assurance procedures.
Legal support, assisting the technical groups in the evaluation of legal aspects
of the work, mostly in projects where project management aspects are in-
cluded in the scope of work (evaluation of bids from the legal and contractual
point of view, assistance for claims management, etc.).
Financial support, assistance in specific cases where project financing is re-
quired, either for the investigations or for project implementation.
Computer system support, all personal computers used by AF-Consult Switzer-
land and its subsidiaries are connected into a global system which handles
shared software and services like printers, plotter etc. A system administration
department controls the proper operation of the system and implements the
hardware and software enhancements required by the technical groups accord-
ing to specific project needs.

Since the year 1996, AF-Consult Switzerland Ltd (AFC) operates a certified quality
management system that meets the ISO 9001 standard. In addition to meeting the
stringent quality requirements, the areas of environmental and occupational health
and safety are also of central importance for AFC. Since 2014, these areas are as well
certified and summarized in the Integrated Management System (IMS). Hence, AFC
has another powerful tool in order to offer its customers the best services which meet
the most demanding requirements in terms of quality, sustainability and security.

Clients of AF-Consult Switzerland are traditionally government departments, public au-


thorities, utilities and industry and increasingly the independent power production
community, including banks, developers, suppliers and contractors. With many of
them, AF-Consult Switzerland has retained successful relationships over several dec-
ades.

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Large projects abroad are frequently financed through international lending institutions
such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Recon-
struction and Development or the Interamerican Development Bank, where AF-Consult
Switzerland keeps permanent registrations. Studies have also been carried out for
United Nations Programmes and other international organizations.

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2 ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
2.1 Hydro Power
The increasing need for clean energy
through the greater use of hydro-
power is today a socio-political ne-
cessity. In the sector of new power
stations, we provide services such as
comprehensive site investigations,
environmental compatibility studies,
energy studies, minimum stream
flow studies, licensing applications,
project planning, feasibility studies,
tender design and tender docu-
ments, construction design and su-
pervision to ensure high-quality con-
struction, the use of up-to-date electromechanical equipment and components, and in-
novative design of small-scale hydropower stations.

Our experience covers a broad range of conventional plants, from the alpine type, with
long tunnels and hundreds of meters heads, to low run-of-river facilities, developing
few meters head. In addition, we have developed along the years an extensive know-
how on the design and implementation of reversible pumped storage plants.

Many existing power stations need to be maintained and up-graded in view of the in-
creasing energy shortages. We help clients with complete renewal concepts and in-
vestment planning, renovation of penstocks, and the optimization of turbines and
other electromechanical equipment. We have established our own method (Colenco
method) for the assessment of the conditions of existing power stations.

We are planning and designing dams of all sizes and types for hydro projects, storage
of water for industrial purposes and resource management. Our specialists knowledge
is particularly geared to overall planning, foundation problems and subsoil sealing, the
interaction of the dam foundation with the dam and the reservoir, static and dynamic
calculations using the latest finite-element methods, material technology (e.g. roller
compacted concrete), and the long-term behavior of dams.

The increasing complexity of our work demands ever greater innovation and adaptabil-
ity. We use the most modern tools and methods for static and dynamic analyses of hy-
draulic systems, mathematical modelling of foundations and superstructures, static
and dynamic calculations of structures and buildings, and dynamic calculations of flood
waves.

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2.2 Thermal Energy
We have accumulated
comprehensive know-
how and understanding
of the technical, envi-
ronmental, financial and
economic aspects of all
kind of thermal energy
plants.

Our engineers carry out


project evaluation, con-
cept development, feasi-
bility studies, design and
project management for
all kind of energy plants such as coal-, oil- and gas-fired power plants, combined cycle
power plants, gas turbine and diesel generating plants, biomass energy plants, micro
turbines, waste incineration plants. Here, particular attention is paid to the environ-
mental protection and improved fuel utilization, applying the most up-dated technol-
ogy.

For the rehabilitation and optimization of the existing energy plants, we provide a
broad spectrum of engineering services for the identification and implementation of the
required improvement measures, as well as the support of plant personnel for optimal
operation and maintenance, training and other organizational aspects.

Already during the project development phase, as well as in the framework of the
world-wide privatization activities of the power and energy sector, the Project Consult-
ing Group also provide special consulting services for identification, development and
evaluation of all kind of energy projects. Our experts carry out due diligence services
for new projects consisting of technical, environmental, financial, economic and organi-
zational project assessment. In addition, due diligence activities for existing energy
plants include the site investigation, estimation of the plant residual life time and cost,
as well as the evaluation of the relevant operational and maintenance aspects of the
plant. Also the required activities for data room review of the plant documentation
could be provided.

Within Thermal Energy, we have performed consulting and engineering services for the
implementation of several power plant projects worldwide in countries such as Ger-
many, France, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Italy, Latvia, Macedonia, Albania and
Syria.

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In the group Decentralized Energy Plants,
we have planned and implemented a large
number of energy production and district
heating systems. Many of the regional and
local heating and co-generation schemes
were particularly implemented for clients
in Switzerland and Germany.

The fields of activities of the Thermal


Waste Treatment Group comprise incin-
eration plants for municipal and industrial
or hazardous waste. We have performed
planning and implementation services for municipal waste, as well as for wood waste
and biomass. Our projects are currently being implemented in several countries, e.g.
Germany, Switzerland and Latvia.

Also integrated within Thermal Energy is our Electrical and I&C Technology Group.

One important aspect of engineering within this group is the Instrumentation and Con-
trol (I & C) design and engineering works for plant control systems and instrumenta-
tion technology, control rooms, plant information and operating systems, auxiliary
power supply systems, upgrading of plant process control systems, fire detection sys-
tems, signaling and monitoring systems.

This group also handles all these corresponding tasks for the nuclear and hydropower
plants departments.

For all kind of projects, our experts pay particular attention to the energy efficiency
and environmental impact of the plant. Under consideration of the financial and eco-
nomic criteria, and the local conditions for each individual project, the most suitable
solution is selected. Depending on the available fuels and the local environmental re-
quirements, we also provide the necessary services for the planning and implementa-
tion of all kinds of flue gas cleaning systems (e. g. DeSOx, DeNOx) and waste dis-
posal.

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2.3 Nuclear Energy
We have served the Swiss
energy community for many
years as a well-recognized
consultant for planning, de-
sign and construction of nu-
clear power stations which
produce today nearly half of
the electricity used in the
country. Therefore, we are
the only Swiss engineering
company comprehensive nu-
clear know-how.

For new nuclear power plant projects or major back fitting projects, we provide feasi-
bility assessments and design re-views. Proper specification of services and supplies
are crucial for such projects. We are very experienced in procurement methods and re-
lated services from the early phases of specification until the contract development
and negotiation phases. Supporting the project organization in management tasks as
contract management including claim management, quality management and licensing
issues, we help our clients to achieve the planned project performance.

The operation of nuclear facilities must ensure both a high safety level as well as high
economic indicators. We support the operators in the fields of safety analyses, plant
life extension, man-machine interface, emergency preparedness, updating of docu-
ments related to safety, plant organization and training. The excellent knowledge of
plant processes enable our specialists to advise on external audits as OSART and
WANO missions as well as difficult to assess topics as safety culture.

As economics of nuclear power plants have become crucial, we established a partner-


ship with a leading business consultant. This partner-ship enables us to provide unique
expertise covering the combination of state-of-the-art in management and technology.

We are very engaged in radioactive waste conditioning, storage and disposal projects.
The spectrum of experiences includes process technology, fuel element reprocessing,
waste management, interim storage, design of repositories and operational safety
analyses.In the area of decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities we pro-
vide expertise in conceptual and basic engineering. As far as project management is
one of our core competences, our specialists support the clients in all project manage-
ment tasks all over the life cycle of de-commissioning projects.

Additionally to our technical competence, we maintain expertise on economic and in-


vestment analysis as well as due diligence assessments.
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2.4 Transmission & Distribution
Switchgear installations
and power lines for
transmission and distri-
bution of electrical en-
ergy is the main area
covered by the Trans-
mission & Distribution
Department. In this
field, we have accumu-
lated extensive experi-
ence world-wide.

The switchgear activities


cover high and medium
voltage switchgear,
complete network substations, distribution substations, low voltage transformer up to
power transformer stations, compensation systems and grounding net. The projects
usually include feasibility studies and expertise, specifications, tender preparation and
evaluation, control negotiations, detailed planning and engineering, project manage-
ment, supervision of contractors, management of installation and conducting of com-
missioning and tests.

Our power line projects range from distribution lines and distribution networks to un-
derground cable systems and to high voltage transmission lines; with an additional ex-
perience of transmission lines in difficult surroundings, such as crossing the Alps or
lines in Asian and African jungles or swamp areas. We conduct feasibility studies, all
the necessary line surveying, specifications, tender documents and tender evaluations,
performs the detailed engineering of the lines, of foundations as well as towers and
conductors, approves detailed design of contractors, is engaged in project manage-
ment and project supervision and in cost control and final cost assessment.

The regular staff of this department has acquired an extensive know-how over many
years by designing, engineering and implementing electrical systems for complete hy-
dro, thermal and nuclear power stations, as well as for substations and switchgears,
transmission lines, HV cable systems, tele control SCADA systems and corresponding
network simulation and optimization analyses.

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3 ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
3.1 Renewable Energies and Environment
Planning and realization of re-
newable energies and address-
ing environmental problems in
order to conserve the natural
habitats and yet satisfy the in-
creasing needs for power and
security, is of significant im-
portance these days and in the
future. We are able to offer our
clients comprehensive services
in the areas of small hydro
power, wind energy, hydraulic
engineering, geothermal energy,
and environment. Thanks to the
in-depth knowledge of our spe-
cialists and our extensive experience from all our realized projects around the globe,
we are able to grant location oriented and environmentally responsible solutions.

We have a broad knowledge in increasing hydro production of small hydro power


plants and in improving the efficiency of hydro power plants. We support our clients in
the evaluation process for locations (siting) and in Environmental Impact Assessments,
feasibility studies, in preparing technical and investment documentations and requests
for concessions, as well as in technical design and procurement. During the realization
phase we also offer our clients services in the areas of environmental and technical
monitoring and supervision. Further, we support our customers in optimization pro-
grams, hydrological expertise, and technical due diligence during the commercial plant
operation. ( Small hydro power)

The longer the more, in some countries wind energy plays a key role. We support in-
vestors from an early project stage until the commercial operation of wind farms. AF-
Consult Switzerland Ltd is also supporting its customers in location evaluations and
feasibility studies, in obtaining construction and operation permissions, technical de-
sign and procurement as well as in construction supervision and acceptance-proce-
dures of wind energy converters from EPC-suppliers. Investors can also count on our
knowledge and experience concerning technical due diligence. (Wind energy)

We support investors with our expertise in usage of groundwater resources with geo-
thermal energy. Our services include characterization of locations and dimensioning of

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plants for thermal usage of ground water in order to heat/cool from 100 kWth to sev-
eral MWth; thermal and hydraulic modeling, and preparation of investment and tech-
nical documentations for concessions. (Geothermie)

In addition to the professional competence in developing basic concepts in hydrology,


hydraulics, and sediment discharge, AF-Consult Switzerland Ltd also offers integral
solutions for flood protection, renaturation (restoration) of riverbeds and creeks, con-
structions of flood control reservoirs for aggradation and scavenging of dams. Thanks
to many years of experience in hydraulic simulation testing, customers benefit from
AF-Consults innovations. Groundwater protection and analysis of natural hazards and
their measures are of great importance for todays peoples need for safety. (Hy-
draulic engineering)

Further, we offer extensive consulting services for an effective economical and ecologi-
cal development. Our experts support you in your projects in any environmental rele-
vant matter, such as Environmental Impact Assessments and environmental planning,
and expertise for noise, air pollution prevention, groundwater and ground protection,
contaminated sites and soil, and waste management. (Environment)

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3.2 Groundwater Protection and Waste Disposal
The activities of the
Groundwater Protection
and Waste Disposal De-
partment revolve mainly
around flow and
transport processes in
geological formations.
Most services offered by
the department are re-
lated to geo-scientific in-
vestigations either of
groundwater as a re-
source worthy of protection, of groundwater as a source of risk for underground facili-
ties, or of groundwater as a transport agent for contaminants and thermal energy.

Field investigations are conceptualized and planned with, for example, complex hy-
draulic borehole tests being coordinated on-site as well as analyzed with borehole sim-
ulators developed by us. Hydrogeological models are conceptualized and realized nu-
merically to characterize groundwater flow.

Thanks to a wide array of high-tech hardware and software tools and highly experi-
enced modelers, the hydrogeological modelling includes sophisticated features like
geo-statistical parameter estimation including uncertainty, intricate geometries such as
fracture zones penetrated in tunnel excavations, coupled processes such as thermal-
hydraulic-mechanical processes and multi-phase flow. The safety or risk analysis deals
in large parts with scenario development, contaminant dispersion modelling and the
analysis of convoluted physical and chemical processes associated with waste reposito-
ries. Over the last decade, software engineering for geo-scientific applications has
evolved as an independent service. Software solutions are tailored from scratch or set
up as expansions or adaptations of available software in order to meet project-specific
requirements.

Much of the knowledge and experience fostered in the department stems from the de-
partments past and ongoing activities related to the deep geological disposal of radio-
active waste. At the same time, the tools for the quantitative characterization of sub-
surface environments have been put to work on hydrogeological investigations for,
among others, railway tunnels and hydropower plants, and the supply and protection
of drinking water. In the field of renewable energy we provide site characterizations for
the energy utilization of groundwater and thermal water, and geothermal reservoir
simulations. Interactive 3D visualizations of underground facilities, databases and geo-
scientific syntheses complement our spectrum of services.
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4 SERVICES PROVIDED
4.1 General
Our services cover the full range of activities from initial planning and project develop-
ment over design, tendering and project implementation, up to operation and mainte-
nance, for all types of projects. In particular, our services include the following:

Project Development Phase:

Due diligence services Project development support


Project evaluation Risk management

Feasibility Phase:

Survey of national resources Environmental impact assessment


Cost/Benefit analysis Site investigation and selection
Strategic planning studies Study of alternatives
Power market survey, Masterplans Cost and economic evaluation
Power system analysis Plant type and configuration evaluation
Expertise and expert opinion reports Project approach

Conception Phase:

Plant optimization Planning and scheduling


Preliminary design Cost estimates

Tender Phase:

Issue of tender documents Contract negotiations


Evaluation of tenders Issue of contract documents
Recommendation for award of contract

Implementation Phase:

Detailed engineering Cost and project control


Construction schedules Supervision of erection
Design review Commissioning and trial operation
Project modifications Invoice approval, payment certificates
Expediting Geo-software engineering
Variation orders Personnel training
Workshop inspection and tests Assistance in settling disputes
Reporting Supervision of guarantee work
Quality assurance Approval of final documentation

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4.2 Management and Financial Advisory Services
Our experts are familiar with modern methods and instruments that are geared to de-
fine and execute projects, in particular energy pricing and tariffs, cost analyses, mar-
ket surveys.

Technical support for claims solutions and litigation is also offered, either as part of
construction supervision and project management assignments, or as a specific ser-
vice.

The general technical background of the company allows us to offer consultancy and
advisory services in the field of institutional strengthening, organizational concepts, re-
structuring and privatization of public energy utilities and financial aspects.

4.3 Special Services


In addition to its normal range of services, we are, in specific cases, in a position to
assist in securing project financing and share project development risks. We also pro-
vide construction and supply services in projects developed on Turnkey basis, with an
Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) approach.

Santa Branca HEPP in Brazil (an EPC Project)

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