The supervision of works in the construction of energy facilities in Serbia, coupled with the role of the Owner’s Engineer, is essential for ensuring that projects comply with design specifications, regulatory requirements and contractual obligations. The Owner’s Engineer serves as the owner’s representative throughout the project, providing technical oversight, quality assurance and coordination with contractors and regulatory bodies. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the supervision process and how the Owner’s Engineer integrates into the construction of energy facilities.
Role of the Owner’s Engineer in energy facility construction
The Owner’s Engineer (OE) is a third-party expert hired by the project owner to ensure that the energy facility—such as a wind farm, solar power plant or thermal power station—is constructed according to the approved design, budget and timeline. The OE’s responsibilities span from the pre-construction phase to commissioning and final handover.
Key functions of the Owner’s Engineer include:
- Design review and validation: The OE conducts an independent review of the engineering designs to ensure technical correctness, adherence to standards, and compliance with regulatory requirements. They collaborate closely with the engineering design team to ensure feasibility and efficiency of all facility components.
- Contractor selection and tendering support: The OE assists in evaluating bids during the contractor selection process, ensuring that only qualified and experienced contractors are chosen. They help develop clear technical specifications for tender documents and evaluate proposals based on cost and technical capability.
- Supervision of construction: The OE monitors all stages of construction to ensure compliance with design documents, safety regulations, and construction standards. They act as the primary contact between the owner and contractors, managing on-site issues and ensuring prompt resolutions.
- Quality control: The OE oversees the quality of materials and workmanship, ensuring that all construction meets required standards and specifications. They perform regular inspections, review test results and approve materials and equipment before they are used on-site.
- Health, safety and environmental (HSE) compliance: The OE ensures compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations throughout construction. They monitor the implementation of safety plans, ensuring adherence to best practices to minimize accidents or environmental damage.
- Commissioning and testing: Once construction is completed, the OE oversees the commissioning process to verify that all systems—electrical, mechanical and structural—function correctly and meet performance standards. This includes conducting performance tests to ensure compliance with design specifications and regulatory requirements.
Supervision of works in energy facility construction
Supervision during the construction of energy facilities in Serbia involves overseeing the entire process, from site preparation to commissioning, to ensure that technical, quality, and timeline goals are met. This legally mandated process is typically governed by the Law on Planning and Construction in Serbia and requires coordination with local and national authorities.
Key supervision activities include:
- Daily on-site supervision: The supervising team, including the Owner’s Engineer, must be present on-site to observe construction activities. This ensures that contractors follow technical drawings and specifications while monitoring progress against the project schedule. The OE addresses any deviations from the approved design promptly through consultations with the owner and stakeholders.
- Inspection and approvals: The supervision team regularly inspects key aspects of construction, such as foundation work, structural assembly, electrical installations and equipment commissioning. Specific tests may be performed, including soil compaction tests for foundations, weld inspections for structural integrity and electrical tests for grid compliance. The OE approves each construction stage before the next can proceed.
- Monitoring compliance with Serbian standards: All energy facilities in Serbia must comply with national standards, including building codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations. The OE ensures adherence to the Serbian Grid Code (for facilities connecting to the national grid), safety regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and any industry-specific standards.
- Documentation and reporting: The Owner’s Engineer maintains detailed records of all construction activities, including daily logs, inspection reports, test results, and deviations from the plan. They provide regular progress reports to the project owner, detailing the construction status, issues encountered, and resolutions. The OE also ensures that all necessary documentation for permitting and regulatory compliance is kept up to date.
- Change management: Unexpected challenges often require changes to the original plan during construction. The OE assesses the impact of any proposed changes—such as design modifications or schedule adjustments—and advises the owner on the best course of action. They ensure that changes are properly documented, approved, and communicated to all stakeholders.
- Coordination with regulatory authorities: The OE liaises with local and national regulatory authorities to ensure that all construction activities comply with Serbian laws and regulations. This includes coordinating inspections, ensuring compliance with environmental permits and facilitating grid connections when applicable.
Health, safety and Environmental (HSE) Compliance
Ensuring compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations is a critical responsibility during the construction of energy facilities. The Owner’s Engineer plays a pivotal role in overseeing this aspect of the project.
Key HSE responsibilities include:
- Health and safety monitoring: The OE ensures that contractors implement and adhere to safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response plans and accident prevention measures. They conduct regular safety audits, verify compliance with Serbia’s Occupational Safety and Health Act, and report any violations or incidents.
- Environmental protection: The OE monitors construction activities to prevent negative environmental impacts, overseeing waste management, pollution control, and natural resource protection per the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and environmental permits. They ensure compliance with environmental obligations, such as controlling emissions and managing noise levels.
Commissioning responsibilities
The Owner’s Engineer oversees the commissioning process, ensuring that all systems—electrical, mechanical, and structural—are tested and validated to meet design and performance specifications. They coordinate and monitor various tests, including load tests, system integration tests and grid compliance tests for facilities connected to the national grid. Any performance issues identified during testing are resolved before final approval is given.
Handover documentation is also a key responsibility. The OE ensures that all necessary operational documentation is completed, including as-built drawings, equipment manuals, test reports and compliance certifications. They secure all permits, including the Operation Permit, ensuring all legal and safety requirements are met for the facility’s operation.
After successful commissioning, the OE facilitates the formal handover of the facility to the owner, providing final reports and confirming that all construction and commissioning activities align with the contract. They ensure the facility is fully operational, safe and compliant with regulations, allowing the owner to begin regular operations.
The supervision of works in the construction of energy facilities in Serbia, combined with the role of the Owner’s Engineer, is critical for the successful execution of energy projects. The OE acts as the technical representative throughout the project, providing oversight during design, construction and commissioning. They ensure compliance with regulatory, technical and safety standards, manage contractor performance, and address issues as they arise. By integrating technical expertise, regulatory knowledge and construction supervision, the Owner’s Engineer helps deliver an energy facility that meets the owner’s expectations for quality, budget and performance.
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