GUYANA Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) reported, last Friday, that the steam power plant at the Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project (SSMP) is progressing and tests conducted on the boilers and turbo alternators, under load conditions, have been successful.

A release said the components tested are key to the co-generation aspect of the operations and have now been synchronised with the diesel generators.

However, testing of the steam and power plants, at higher loads and for extended periods under automatic control, is still to be done, a release pointed out.

It indicated that the conveying system between the boilers and the short term storage area was subject to another test, using bagasse from the existing source.

“The sugar processing plant could not be tested as an operating unit until the actual processing begins. Nevertheless, most of the electric motor drives have been test run and the steam and water circuit is in the process of being tested,” the release explained.

The statement said the distribution control system (DCS) has not been fully installed but much of the ongoing work on the set-up will be completed in the coming weeks and undergo a series of rigorous site acceptance tests to ensure its functionality.

“All major plant and equipment have now been installed and internal roads are being constructed. The site is undergoing a general clean-up and landscaping activities are underway in preparation for the commissioning,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the operational familiarisation and training continues with the staff who have been assigned to the new factory.

But the old factory is expected to complete crushing of the first cane crop at the end of May and the new factory will continue with the second crop from August 2, GUYSUCO said.