fossil-fuel power plant operations
The different steps in the production of electricity using fossil fuels and the function of all the components of the required equipment such as boilers, turbines and generators.
Fossil-fuel power plant operators operate and maintain industrial equipment, such as generators, turbines and boilers, that provides electricity produced from fossil fuels like natural gas or coal. They ensure the safety of operations and that the equipment complies with legislation. They may also work in combined cycle power plants which use heat recovery systems to recover exhaust heat from one operation and activate steam turbines.
Competences and skills
43 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 6 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceCross-sector
5 competenceselectric current
Flow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.
electric generators
The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.
electrical power safety regulations
The compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as the appropriate safety gear, equipment handling procedures, and preventive actions.
electricity
The principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
mechanics
Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
Essential skills and competences 11 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
6 competencescontrol steam flows
Admit steam through lines or fuel to furnace to heat drier.
monitor electric generators
Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.
monitor utility equipment
Monitor equipment which provides utility services such as power, heat, refrigeration, and steam, in order to ensure they are functional, operate according to regulations, and to check for faults.
operate boiler
Operate sealed vessels which contain fluids which are heated or vaporised, not always up to boiling, for heating or power generation, such as in utilities. Ensure safe procedures by monitoring the blower auxiliary equipment closely during operations, and identifying faults and risks.
operate steam turbine
Operate equipment which uses thermal energy, extracted from pressurised steam, to generate rotary motion. Ensure that the turbine is balanced, and operates according to safety regulations and legislation, by monitoring the equipment during operations.
regulate steam pressure
Regulate steam pressure and temperatures according to specifications.
Cross-sector
5 competencesapply health and safety standards
Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.
maintain electrical equipment
Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.
monitor gauge
Oversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.
troubleshoot
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
wear appropriate protective gear
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
Optional knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesnatural gas
The various facets of natural gas: its extraction, processing, constituents, uses, environmental factors, etc.
smart grids systems
Smart grids are a digital electricity network. The system involves the electronic digital control of production, distribution and use of electricity, information management of the components and energy saving.
digitalgreen
Cross-sector
3 competenceselectricity consumption
The different factors which are involved in the calculation and estimation of electricity consumption in a residence or facility, and methods in which electricity consumption can be lowered or made more efficient.
green
energy conservation
The practice of reducing energy consumption and using fewer energy services. As a sustainable process, energy conservation is done by replacing used energy with alternative sources, using more efficient energy products, or refraining from particular energy products or services to conserve it.
green
- Scope note
- Excludes energy efficiency
fossil fuels
The types of fuels which contain high doses of carbon and include gas, coal, and petroleum, and the processes by which they are formed, such as the anaerobic decomposition of organisms, as well as the ways in which they are used to generate energy.
Optional skills and competences 21 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesoperate ash handling equipment
Monitor and control the different types of machines, such as dewatering bins or vibrating ash conveyor, used to remove ash from under the boiler, cool it and dry it to make it fit for transportation.
operate gas turbines
Operate equipment which uses thermal energy to produce electricity by injecting gas into pressurised air and igniting it to generate a high-temperature flow that will set the turbine in motion. Ensure that the turbine is balanced, and operates according to safety regulations and legislation, by monitoring the equipment during operations.
Sector-specific
4 competencesarrange equipment repairs
Arrange for equipment repairs when necessary.
close circuit breaker
Synchronize incoming generating units with units already in operation. Close the circuit breaker at the exact instant of coincidence between both unit types.
coordinate electricity generation
Communicate the current demand of electricity generation to electricity generation workers and facilities in order to ensure that the generation of electrical power can be increased or decreased accordingly.
green
respond to electrical power contingencies
Set in motion the strategies created for responding to emergency situations, as well as respond to unforeseen problems, in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as power outages, in order to rapidly solve the problem and return to normal operations.
Cross-sector
15 competencesadvise on equipment maintenance
Advise customers on the appropriate products, methods and, if necessary, interventions to ensure proper maintenance and prevent premature damage of an object or an installation.
ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule
Monitor the operations of an electrical energy distribution facility and electricity distribution systems in order to ensure that the distribution goals are met, and the electricity supply demands are met.
ensure compliance with environmental legislation
Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.
green
ensure safety in electrical power operations
Monitor and control operations on an electrical power transmission and distribution system in order to ensure that major risks are controlled and prevented, such as electrocution risks, damage to property and equipment, and instability of transmission or distribution.
liaise with engineers
Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
maintain records of maintenance interventions
Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
maintain system logs
Maintain system logs or manuals to document equipment testing and operation.
digital
perform minor repairs to equipment
Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.
read engineering drawings
Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
replace large components
Dismantle and reassemble equipment or system parts in order to replace large defective elements such as generators or engines.
report on production results
Mention a specified set of parameters, such as amount produced and timing, and any issues or unexpected occurrences.
resolve equipment malfunctions
Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
respond to emergency calls for repairs
Respond promptly to clients' emergency calls for repairs and troubleshooting of devices.
tend compressor engine
Tend the gas compression engines by starting them, monitoring the process of gas compression and performing small maintenance tasks.
train employees
Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.