Program Initiation and Development Strategy
The development of Nik Khavar Fars Power Plant was initiated as part of a strategic program to establish a distributed generation facility capable of supplying reliable electricity to the regional power grid in Safashahr, Fars Province.
The program was structured as a multi-phase infrastructure development initiative, consisting of several coordinated component projects including engineering design, civil construction, electrical infrastructure development, and generation unit installation.
This phased program approach enabled the organization to manage technical complexity, control project risks, and progressively expand generation capacity while maintaining operational reliability.
Phase 1
Engineering, Design, and Infrastructure Preparation
The first stage of the program focused on engineering studies and technical design required for the development of a distributed generation power plant with a planned capacity of approximately 25 MW.
Major engineering activities included:
• feasibility and site development studies
• civil and structural engineering design for plant facilities
• electrical engineering design for low-voltage and medium-voltage systems
• specification and design of MV/LV switchgear and protection systems
• grid interconnection studies and synchronization planning
• preparation of construction and installation plans
This phase established the core infrastructure framework required to support the installation and integration of modular generation units.
From a program management perspective, this stage delivered the enabling capabilities necessary for subsequent implementation phases.
Phase 2
Installation of Initial Gas Engine Generators
Following completion of the design and construction preparation phase, the program entered the generation deployment phase.
During this stage, four Jenbacher natural gas generators, each with a nominal capacity of approximately 2 MW, were installed at the facility.
The scope of this phase included:
• installation of generator units
• electrical integration with plant switchgear systems
• synchronization with the regional electricity grid
• commissioning tests and operational validation
The successful commissioning of these units marked the first operational milestone of the plant, demonstrating the viability of the distributed generation architecture and establishing initial electricity production capability.
Phase 3
Expansion with Jenbacher J616 High-Efficiency Units
After the successful commissioning of the initial generation units, the program advanced into a capacity expansion phase aimed at increasing installed generation capability.
This phase included the installation of four Jenbacher J616 natural gas engines, each with a nominal generation capacity of approximately 2.7 MW.
The Jenbacher J616 engine is widely used in distributed generation and combined heat and power applications due to its:
• high electrical efficiency
• reliable base-load performance
• compatibility with modular generation architecture
• ability to support flexible distributed generation systems
The integration of these units increased the plant’s generation capability while maintaining the modular structure of the power plant design.
Phase 4
Integration of Caterpillar Gas Generator Units
To further enhance operational flexibility and strengthen generation reliability, an additional component project was implemented to install four Caterpillar gas generator units, each with an approximate capacity of 2 MW.
Caterpillar generator systems are widely deployed in distributed power generation projects due to their:
• robust industrial design
• high operational reliability
• suitability for grid-connected generation
• flexible operational performance
The integration of multiple generator technologies provided the plant with a diversified generation portfolio, improving operational resilience and maintenance flexibility.
Modular Distributed Generation Architecture
Nik Khavar Fars Power Plant operates based on a modular distributed generation configuration, where multiple gas engine generators operate in parallel and are connected to the electrical grid through the plant’s switchgear and protection systems.
This architecture offers several operational advantages:
• scalable capacity expansion through phased implementation
• improved reliability through multiple independent generating units
• enhanced operational flexibility
• reduced transmission losses through localized generation
Distributed generation systems have increasingly become an important approach in modern electricity infrastructure by enabling electricity production closer to consumption centers and improving overall grid efficiency.
Program Delivery Outcome
Through the successful execution of multiple coordinated component projects, the construction program delivered a modular distributed generation facility capable of supporting regional electricity demand while maintaining flexibility for future capacity expansion.
The phased implementation strategy allowed the project team to progressively deliver generation capability, manage engineering complexity, and ensure reliable integration with the regional power grid.