Power plant builders need many supplies during construction of a power plant. A power plant presents many challenges to a construction contractor beyond ordinary construction projects. They must comply with environmental regulations, safety regulations, local zoning ordinances and building codes.

You can get many supplies for power plant construction contractors from the same manufacturers and distributors that produce materials for general construction. For example, power plant construction contractors can easily purchase common raw materials, such as concrete and aggregate. But power plant construction also requires specialty equipment in order to complete the project. Power plant construction companies will need electrical generators and high voltage wire that general construction does not require.

Stock up on supplies before beginning power plant construction, by considering the following:

1. Investigate sources of raw materials needed in power plant construction

2. Find electrical generators and other related equipment

3. Look for heavy machinery needed by power plant contractors

4. Provide radiation protection for workers involved in nuclear power plant construction.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for raw materials needed by power plant building companies

Building any type of power plant requires a large amount of raw materials. Concrete, aggregate and rebar make up a large share of basic building construction. Finishing and landscaping may require lumber, piping, wire and computer networking equipment.

I recommend: Power-Technology.com has industry projects, reports and industry news, but the most useful information for the building contractor is the listing of equipment, supplies and vendors necessary for power plant construction contractors. The Portland Cement Association provides information on composition and usage of aggregate. The site explains the differences between ready-mix concrete and shotcrete for example. Toolbase Services explains the benefits of using concrete substitutes. Toolbase also provides links to vendors that sell various substitutes such as crushed glass. Empire Wholesale Lumber supplies wood and plywood across the United States.

Assemble electrical components needed for power plant construction

To generate power, power plants require a variety of electrical equipment. Depending on the power source, various types of electrical turbines and generators produce and distribute the power. High voltage transmission lines and towers send the power to substations for distribution to cities.

I recommend: Global Power Supply produces transformers, generators, switchgear and other types of power plant supplies. Global also sells refurbished equipment and provides an on-line auction of equipment. Siemens manufactures switch gear, voltage regulators, substation parts, relays, control software and offers solutions for power plant construction.

Find the best deals on heavy equipment needed for power plant construction

The size and type of power plant you build determines what types of equipment you may need. Cranes, backhoes, cement mixers and dump trucks will come in handy. The power plant contractor needs a variety of small scale supplies such as power tools, power shovels, forklifts, hand tools and many other items.

I recommend: EveryMachinery.com sells used heavy construction equipment such as cranes, compactors, excavators and other large tools. The site also provides links to other dealers of used equipment. Rock & Dirt sells a large variety of construction equipment such as concrete laying tools, asphalt paving tools, light towers and much more.

Comply with radiation safety equipment regulations during nuclear power plant construction

Nuclear power plant contractors have special considerations during construction. Workers and the public must receive protection from radiation fall-out. Large and small supplies prevent radiation leaks and detect potential exposure to various types of radiation.

I recommend: Check the Environmental Protection Agency website that covers the radiation protection topic, providing good information to assist a business with protecting its workers and the public. Radiation Protection Products makes a line of lead lined doors, windows and other items for shielding workers from radiation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ensure your power source exists in enough quantity to provide uninterruptible power. Hydro power or solar power plants can probably rely on a steady energy supply, while fossil fuel supplies may fluctuate and costs may inflate. Determining your power source will affect the type of supplies the power plant contractor will need.

It's not too difficult to find power plant building companies. Finding one that meets your criteria is a different story. After all, there are a number of project management issues you need to face, including costs, timeliness and accuracy just to name a few.

Challenges can arise constantly in the construction of a power plant with an emphasis placed on maximizing efficiency while also minimizing the impact on the environment. Building a reliable operation with the lowest operating costs possible is a real struggle.

That's why it's so important to hire that power plant construction company you can rely on to provide quality workmanship and superior performance. When selecting among power plant builders, it's important to keep certain qualifications in mind such as:

1. Power plant construction contractors should have the technical expertise and service capability to handle the project.

2. Check out power plant contractors' experience and work history as well as the ability to comply with safety and other requirements.

3. The power plant contractor you choose should offer a competitive bid and be mindful of accruing costs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research potential power plant construction companies

Not just any construction contractor can build a power plant. It takes special expertise and compliance with a variety of regulations. Make sure you choose someone who can meet your demands and with whom you feel comfortable working over the long term.

I recommend: From combined cycle power plants to steam and simple cycle power plants, Siemens has built them all. Honeywell Process Solutions provides a variety of services for the power industry including project engineering and installation.

Hire consultants who specialize in construction of a power plant

With all the construction management issues you must deal with, you may find it beneficial to hire a professional consultant group. With regulations and other issues constantly changing, consultants can keep you in the loop and advise on a number of items.

I recommend: C. H. Guernsey & Company offers a variety of utility services including engineering and architectural, among others. Kutner-Ross Associates can advise you on construction contract issues and perform an operations review and field management.

Utilize resources for nuclear power plant construction

Nuclear plant construction and design surpasses other expectations required by other power plants because of strict structural and other requirements. Choose a builder who can handle all of those requirements and use all the resources available to help with design.

I recommend: Bechtel Corporation is the construction business for both fossil and nuclear power plants. For software to help in nuclear power plant design and construction, turn to Intergraph Corporation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Just as in hiring any contractor, you can check out a power plant construction contractor by checking with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against them. You may also check with the state attorney general where the company is located. One or two complaints shouldn't sound an alarm, but several disputes should make you take notice.

Every power plant contractor requires consistent, quality education and training to remain relevant in the industry. Power plant building companies need well-trained individuals that bring in clients and either possess strong overall power plant construction management skills, or specialized training, such as expertise in nuclear power plant construction.

Power plant contractors must have a wide range of skills, from power plant design to mechanical structure to safety measures. Within power plants that require special kinds of fuels, power plant contractors can serve as forces of innovation with the right training. When looking for the training to obtain and sharpen these skills throughout your career, consider the following:

1. Comprehensive sources of power plant construction education and training can help contractors grow and diversify their careers.
2. Training that focuses on a specific type of fuel can help power plant contractors serve as pioneers of innovation for the operation of these plants.
3. While working as a power plant contractor, taking online training and education courses in the field gives you a chance to apply the skills you learn immediately.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find comprehensive sources of training for power plant builders

Power plant contractors and the power plant construction companies they work for need good sources of all-encompassing training to keep their skills sharp and their client base growing. Here are some good sources of quality power plant construction contractors education and training.

I recommend: Penn Foster Workforce Development provides skills training for power plant operation in multiple fields. Intergraph offers a number of training seminars in many aspects of plant construction, from electrical to isometrics.

Get power plant construction contractor education and training based on specific power plant types

Nuclear, diesel, solar...when it comes to power plant construction, it's easy to find a specific niche based on the type of fuel the power plant will use. Luckily, these organizations offer power plant builders the chance to get targeted training based on power plant fuel type.

I recommend: Crane Nuclear offers power plant training for those constructing nuclear power plants. Burmeister & Wain is an international power plant company that offers training on the various aspects of constructing and maintaining a diesel power plant.

Find online sources of training for power plant construction contractors

Your busy schedule doesn't have to stop you from getting quality training. These online classroom services will ensure you receive top-notch power plant construction contractors education and training.

I recommend: Power-Technology.com offers online training for the many needs of power plants. Gatlin Education Services offers a full power plant operation training course.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use your contacts in power plant construction training and education to seek out innovative tips for making power plants run more efficiently and fulfill your responsibilities to the environment. One innovative idea could change the entire blueprint for the industry.