Poolbeg Open Cycle Gas Turbine

The Poolbeg Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) Project in Dublin is one of the most important energy projects currently under construction in Ireland. KH Engineering was appointed to deliver the structural steel package, including fabrication, corrosion protection, delivery and site erection.

The project consists of over 1,000 tonnes of structural steel spread across a number of buildings and supporting structures. While the scale of the steel package was significant, the biggest challenge from the beginning was the programme. The project required steelwork to be designed, fabricated, coated, delivered and erected within a very tight timeframe.

To meet these deadlines, KH Engineering worked closely with suppliers across Ireland and the UK. One of the key elements of the project was the procurement of large plate girders from Strubeam in Scotland. With limited lead times available, careful planning was required to coordinate manufacturing, transport, ferry crossings and delivery sequencing. The logistics involved were considerable, but through strong communication and planning the girders arrived on site when needed, allowing the erection programme to continue without delay.

Another challenge was managing the different corrosion protection requirements across the project. Some steelwork was hot-dip galvanized, some required intumescent coatings to provide fire protection, while other elements were painted to either C4 or C5 corrosion protection specifications depending on their location and exposure conditions. Managing multiple coating systems on a project of this size required excellent organisation and traceability throughout the fabrication process.

All steelwork was fabricated at KH Engineering's facility in Allenwood, Co. Kildare. The workshop team worked to a demanding programme while maintaining the high standards of quality and workmanship expected on a critical infrastructure project. Once on site, the erection team faced the challenge of working within a busy construction environment alongside multiple contractors and changing site conditions.

Despite these challenges, the team maintained strong progress throughout the project and consistently remained ahead of programme. This was achieved through detailed planning, flexibility and a willingness to work collaboratively with the wider project team.

For KH Engineering, Poolbeg represents much more than a steel contract. It showcases the company's ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects, manage complex supply chains and overcome programme challenges while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. We are proud to have played a part in delivering a project that will contribute to Ireland's energy security for many years to come.