Avoiding infrastructure project delays

infrastructure

Projects running overbudget or behind schedule can be a frequent issue when implementing infrastructure changes, with the resultant additional costs and delays often negatively impacting on organisations and reducing the impact the selected technology was intended to have. There is a huge range of factors that can cause delays or unexpected additional costs, a major factor behind why so few major projects are ultimately delivered both on time and under budget.

While this complexity means that it can be all but impossible to completely eliminate risks, approaching projects from the beginning with a methodical, complete understanding of what clients are trying to achieve, and the internal and external factors that can impact costs and timeframes, is an important way of minimising risk.

The UK’s Project Delivery Issues

Around the world, major infrastructure projects are expected to outstrip budgets and target completion dates. This is most prominent on the ‘megaproject’ scale, where over the past 100 years, 91.5% of projects run over budget, over schedule, or both. Just 1% of such projects are completed both under budget and on time.

The increasing complexity of infrastructure projects within the UK, particularly in the energy sector, means that similar issues can frequently arise even on smaller projects. Across all construction and infrastructure projects, only around 30% of projects achieve within 10% of their original budget. For the energy sector specifically, 90% of projects are currently estimated to be delivered late, over budget, or both.

In many cases, delays and additional costs are a result of external factors. The most prominent in recent months are delays on grid connection works, an issue that National Grid and Ofgem have both been working to mitigate for some time now. Supply chain issues are often a common hurdle, with 78% of UK manufacturers reporting supply chain issues during 2023, issues that in turn cause delays or inflated costs on project delivery.

Mitigating the Risk

With external risks remaining high for many UK projects, approaching a project with a clear understanding of potential risks, as well as a methodical approach that minimises the risk of additional issues arising, is vital.

One of the best ways of doing this is to ensure that the proposed project has been tested as rigorously as possible before installation and commissioning, allowing for a broad range of factors that could impact the success of a project to be identified and rectified.

Digital twin modelling, which enables the recreation of both existing site infrastructure and new solutions in an entirely digital space, is rapidly becoming one of the most efficient methods for managing complex infrastructure projects. This advanced approach allows for thorough mapping, testing, and implementation, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.

By using digital twins, any necessary solutions, such as a step-up transformer for older equipment when implementing voltage optimisation, can be identified and incorporated during the design phase. This proactive strategy prevents delays and unexpected costs by addressing potential requirements early on, ensuring they are sourced and installed alongside the primary installation.

Digital twin modelling, combined with a comprehensive understanding of factors such as legislative requirements, logistics, and methods to minimize disruption during installation, is a powerful tool for delivering accurately costed and timed projects. This advanced approach allows for precise planning and execution, ensuring projects meet all necessary criteria and proceed smoothly from start to finish.

At Powerstar, we conduct digital twin modelling for our clients to ensure their projects are designed, tested, and implemented with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. This enables us to deliver seamless, reliable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.