UK-based consultants, Mott MacDonald has begun front-end engineering and design (feed) work to replace diesel generators at Abu Dhabi’s Arzanah Island.

The island, part of the Satah oilfield being developed by Zakum Development Company (Zadco) requires between 3.5 to 4 megawatts (MW) of power. Located 200 kilometres off the coast of Abu Dhabi the island houses water injection facilities, accommodation and utilities for the field.

The island’s power turbines are operated on diesel, as gas is not available. To reduce fuel consumption, Zadco had replaced some of its turbines with high speed diesel generators. Despite the increased efficiency, the turbines suffered recurring problems and occasional major breakdowns, according to a Mott MacDonald statement on 25 August.

Phase one of the project will see two new diesel generators installed with 13.8 kilovolt and 60Hz terminal voltage inside a customer designed engine room. The capital outlay for both phase one and two of the project will be around $18m.