1. 1
FRANCIS GRIFFIN
Nationality British
Year of Birth 1953
Profession Engineer
Specialisation Hydro power generation
Position in HydroGriff Director
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
Francis specialises in the study and implementation of hydroelectric power generation
projects. The majority of his work has been with the UK based Mott MacDonald Group but
currently runs his own consultancy, HydroGriff.
Francis’s experience encompasses projects from start to finish including pre- and full
feasibility studies through design, specification, erection, commissioning, trouble shooting and
refurbishment. He has a very broad based experience of all related electrical and mechanical
engineering aspects and good understanding of the issues involved with the civil design and
implementation.
He has had active involvement in projects as Project Director and Project Manager with
extensive experience in the management of professional teams for hydro projects, both in the
UK and overseas. The projects he has been involved with have been in UK, Europe, East and
South Africa, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
PERSONALITY
Francis is very much a team player who wants to make projects happen. Engineering was the
only career for Francis but the choice of mechanical engineering was almost incidental and he
is happy to apply himself to any area where development of solutions is required. Francis
finds the development of hydroelectric power projects an almost perfect blend of interesting
technologies, allowing multi-disciplinary, high level input to solve overall project development
challenges.
Francis enjoys working in teams, and gets as much satisfaction from team success as from
personal attainment. The development of young people and developing their confidence is a
particular pleasure.
Francis enjoys working in a structured and safe way but without excessive box ticking.
Francis is not afraid to speak up and ask questions when something is not quite right but is
quite happy to listen and modify his view if required. Finding the correct solution is the most
important issue.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL STATUS
European Engineer
2. 2
Chartered Engineer
MSc Power, Cranfield Institute of Technology, 1976
HND Mechanical Engineering, North Gloucestershire College of Technology, 1974
Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Member of British Standards Institution committee MCE/15, Hydraulic Turbines
EXPERIENCE RECORD
2015 - present Director of HydroGriff an independent hydropower consultancy.
1981– 2015 MOTT MACDONALD GROUP
2013 – 2015 Divisional Director, Power Hydro and Renewables
2015 – 2015 Contractual, Technical and Construction Advice to Developer
Francis was seconded into Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay, a company set up to develop the first
tidal lagoon project in the UK. The role encompassed a wide range of tasks with the aim of
maximising the benefits of the proposed 320MW project within a firm contractual background
whilst keeping all parties on board. He was involved with provision of answers to UK
Governments and Lender’s Engineering advisors, contractual guarantees, division of
responsibilities between owner and operator, construction programme as well as assisting
with general design review.
2010 -2015 Project Manager for Tarbela 4th Extension Project, Pakistan
Based in Lahore, Pakistan for the final two years, he was responsible for the implementation
of the World Bank funded project to add 1,410MW of additional capacity to the existing
facilities at Tarbela. The USD700 million project adds three new Francis turbine-generator
units onto an existing tunnel that was originally designed for irrigation release. The project
consists of a new raised tunnel intake with the excavation of more than 1 million m3 of rock,
surface powerhouse, buried penstock with more than 8,000t of steel and extension to the
existing 500kV transmission line. The World Bank funded project is implemented with two
contracts; one for civil and one for M&E works.
This resident PM role followed on from leading the design phase of the project where, under
his leadership, the anticipated scheme capacity was increased by 50% from that previously
envisaged with a commensurate increase in annual energy. The feasibility design was
developed to tender level including all bid documents and drawings. Following
prequalification, the contracts were tendered in 2013 with the civil contract awarded later the
same year and the electrical and mechanical works in early 2014.
2001 – 2013 Technical Director – Thermal and Renewable Division
Responsible for the technical management of the hydropower sub-division with responsibility
for new and ongoing projects.
3. 3
1997 – 2000 Associate – Power Civil & Hydro Division
Business development responsibilities for hydro opportunities, and direction and preparation
of technical and commercial proposals.
Previous Experience
Bunji Hydroelectric Project, 7100MW Station, Pakistan
Project Director for the feasibility study of a very large hydroelectric project in Northern Pakistan. The
project consisted of 20 units in an underground cavern, with the transformers and switchgear also
situated in an adjacent underground cavern. Responsible for high level client relationships and co-
ordinating the joint venture partners’ inputs as well as overall project review for Mott MacDonald.
Maintained a close involvement with the development of the powerhouse and associated mechanical
and electrical designs.
Budhi Gandaki 600MW Hydroelectric Project, Nepal – Project director for the review of existing
feasibility studies into this proposed project in central Nepal. Our study examined alternative designs
that would reduce the negative projects impacts whilst retaining an acceptable energy and financial
performance.
Various Projects, Project Direction and Review – Responsible for the review of a number of varied
hydro based projects including due diligence, design review with a particular responsibility for
knowledge development in tidal stream and barrage technologies.
Niznhe Bureyskaya 450MW Hydropower Project, Russia – Responsible for Mott MacDonald’s review
of an existing design for this proposed project in Eastern Russia. The review was tasked with reducing
the costs and construction time. Our proposals included the replacement of a significant proportion of
the embankment dam with roller compacted concrete as well as changes to the machine selection and
the layout of the electrical and mechanical plant. We also proposed a significant reduction to the
number and size of ancillary buildings. Presented findings to the Board of HydroOGK.
Suki Kinari Hydroelectric Project, Project Director (2006-present) – Responsible for the feasibility
study developing the design for a proposed 775MW high head privately funded power scheme in the
Kaghan Valley of northern Pakistan. Responsible for mechanical engineering aspects of the scheme as
well as ensuring that the project team addresses appropriate issues and develops a project that fulfils
the private client’s and the Pakistan Government’s objectives.
Luhri Hydroelectric Project, Technical Director (2005-2007) – Responsible for pulling together the
technical inputs across the wide-ranging civil and engineering issues associated with a very large
hydroelectric scheme in northern India. The issues included construction of very large tunnels in a
seismically active region as well as the erosive effects on hydraulic components of quartz based
sediments.
Braamhoek Pumped Storage, Business Case Justification (2005) – Project manager for the Mott
MacDonald input into the review of the business case for the proposed 1300MW Braamhoek pumped
storage scheme in South Africa. The project examined the technical and financial justification for the
project and examined the civil and mechanical and electrical engineering, environmental and social
impacts as well as the need for the output of the scheme within the South African power supply
system. The work was carried out for the main electrical supply company in South Africa on behalf of
the electrical regulator.
4. 4
Lochaber Pipeline Assessment, Scotland (2004-2005) and (2006-2007) – Project director for the
development of a FMECA assessment of a 70-year-old pipeline supplying an existing hydro power
station. Initial studies have been followed up with detailed FE analysis and NDT.
Generation Studies, Scotland – Project director for a number of studies into the generating potential
of new and existing sites in Scotland.
Earlstoun and Carsfad Refurbishment, Scotland – Project director for the replacement of runners and
guide vanes for four 7MW propeller turbines in Galloway Scotland.
Búðarháls 100MW HEP, Iceland – Team leader for turbine design, specification and tender
documentation for 2 x 50MW Francis machines in surface power house. Also responsible for penstocks
and ancillary hydro mechanical plant and equipment.
Cruachan Pump Storage Scheme, Scotland – Project Director to Scottish Power for 4 x 100MW hydro
upgrade including maximising primary response, running two units synchronised at very low load.
Owner’s engineer including project management to ensure client’s aims and objectives are met within
a challenging programme.
Cuileig Hydro Power Station, Scotland – Project director employed by UK based civil engineering
contractor to prepare their successful tender for the first new hydro power station in Scotland for over
30 years. Subsequently responsible for design of complete civil and M&E package through to project
commissioning.
Project Director, Hydraulic Transient Review – Responsible for the hydro mechanical aspects of the
review of the hydraulic transient performance of Cruachan Power Station in Scotland with a view to
reducing the time taken to load the machines.
Project Director, Ewaso Ngiro Hydropower Project, Kenya – Responsible for overall input into detailed
design development of three underground power stations in Western Kenya. Detailed responsibility
included the development of project control philosophy and interface between generating and
transmission companies.
Project Director, Gitaru Unit No 1, Kenya – Project director following contract award with overall
responsibility for project and contact with client. This project was successfully commissioned as
expected within two years of the contractor starting work. Leading assessment of contractor’s claims
for an extension of time.
Project Director, Old Laxapana Refurbishment, Sri Lanka – Responsible for the setting of the terms of
reference and completion of study into the uprating potential of an existing 50MW power station.
Study concluded that there was significant potential for uprating the power station as part of the
redirection of power station assets following corporatisation.
Karshi Cascade Rehabilitation, Uzbekistan – Team leader for M&E plant for the feasibility study into
the proposed rehabilitation of over 300MW of pumping plant associated with a large irrigation system
in Uzbekistan.
Hydroelectric Power Station, Wales – Team leader into the investigation of the cost and timescale
associated with a proposal to replace existing separate pump and turbine with a reversible pump-
turbine in an existing pumped storage power station.
Asset Valuation, Ghana – Responsible for the valuation of the hydroelectric generating assets of the
Volta River Authority for accounting purposes.
5. 5
Asset Valuation or Hydropower Assets of Kenya Power and Lighting Company Prior to Privatisation,
Kenya – Responsible for visiting all the hydropower generating assets of KPLC prior to their separation
from the transmission and distribution assets. The condition of each plant was assessed and the value
of the depreciated civil and electrical and mechanical assets determined.
Gitaru Unit No 1, Kenya – Project manager and mechanical engineer for the implementation of the
third 80 MW unit, within the Gitaru Power Station on the Tana River in Kenya. The three-year project
includes a feasibility study into the rating of the additional machine as well as the best method for
interconnection into the Kenyan grid. Also included were detailed project specifications,
prequalification of tenderers, issue and adjudication of tenders and award of a turnkey contract for the
complete works.
Hirakud Scheme, India – Project manager responsible for the DFID sponsored rehabilitation and
uprating to 50MW of two 37.5MW Kaplan turbine generators which form part of the Hirakud scheme
in Orissa State, India. Responsible for all Mott MacDonald input into the project that was developed to
allow the existing power plant to operate within a restructured market. The project scope included
supervision of sub-consultants, non-destructive examination of the machines, preparation of
refurbishment specifications, prequalification of tenderers, issue of tenders, negotiations with
tenderers and contract award. Responsible for supervision and implementation of the single contract
for the complete rehabilitation works awarded in April 1994.
Supervised the review of contractor’s claims for extensions of time and preparation of engineer’s
adjudication covering all additional works under the contract. Obtained specific advice form contract
experts as necessary. Acted as facilitator during negotiations between employer and contractor.
Dover and Folkestone Wastewater Treatment Scheme – Energy Recovery Study (1996) – Lead
engineer and project manager for a study into the possibility of energy recovery from raw and treated
water flowing in a proposed wastewater treatment scheme for the English towns of Dover and
Folkestone. The study determined the energy potential of various sections of the scheme and
developed the layout of selected plant such that costs could be determined. Plant ratings in the range
of 100kW to 1.5MW were examined. A number of possible tariff structures were examined to
determine the potential benefits and financial rates of return.
Ghazi – Barotha Hydropower Project, Pakistan – Project manager for feasibility study for the proposed
1450MW hydropower project in Pakistan. In addition to project management functions, also
responsible for developing a power and energy computer model for the scheme. Closely involved with
the economic analysis of alternatives and the selection of the optimum project.
Pergau Hydro-Electric Project, Malaysia – Deputy project manager and mechanical design engineer for
the Pergau Hydro-Electric Project in Malaysia with a detailed management and engineering input into
this turnkey scheme.
Kiambere Project, Kenya – Responsible for completing the E&M aspects of the Kiambere Project with
special emphasis on the outstanding site defects. Also responsible for turbine site efficiency tests.
Senior Resident Engineer Kiambere Project, Kenya - Assumed overall site responsibility for the E&M
aspects of Kiambere. In addition to previous responsibilities, this involved close liaison with client, the
power generating authority as well as other government departments.
Resident Engineer, Kiambere Hydroelectric Project, Kenya – Responsible for the supervision of
construction and commissioning of plant for a 2 x 72MW Francis turbine hydroelectric development.
The project involved turbines, generators, OET cranes, gate hoists, butterfly valves, HV switchgear,
ventilation and air conditioning equipment and all station auxiliaries such as drainage and dewatering,
compressed air systems and passenger lift.
6. 6
Project Engineer (Mechanical), UK - Kiambere Project, Kenya – Responsible for approval of
mechanical aspects of contractor’s designs for the Kiambere Project, Kenya. Closely involved with the
interfaces between the various contractors as well as the civil design.
Assistant Resident Engineer (Mechanical), Victoria Project, Sri Lanka – Responsible for the day-to-
day supervision of contractors constructing three 80.75 MVA water turbine-generators and associated
plant.
Closely involved in the liaison between the various electrical and mechanical contractors and also the
civil engineering operations as appropriate, to ensure maximum continuity, efficiency, and quality of
work.
1981 – 1983 Project Engineer (Mechanical), UK Kiambere Project, Kenya – Responsible for assisting
in the day-to-day control of hydroelectric turbine/generator contracts, including technical and
commercial queries during site commissioning and checking of associated instruction manuals.
WEIR PUMPS LTD, UK, Hydraulic Design Engineer
Responsible for selection of standard pumps and hydraulic design of new machines for estimate and
contract purposes. Experience covered pump types ranging from small bilge pumps to large multistage
oil pipeline and boiler feed pumps, as well as large single stage circulating water pumps.
Also responsible for the specification, control and review of development projects for modifying
existing designs for new applications, as well as original designs for new markets.
DOWTY ROTOL LTD, UK, Performance Engineer
Responsible for the detailed aero-dynamic design of single stage, fixed and variable pitch axial flow
fans for aircraft and commercial applications. Also involved in feasibility studies, aircraft performance
analysis and the specification, control and execution of related research and development projects
including an extended period of wind tunnel testing.
DOWTY GROUP SERVICES LTD, UK, Student Apprentice
Student apprentice and sandwich course for HND and MSc, interspersed with periods of industrial
training, during which experience was gained in design and commercial departments of Dowty Group
companies.
LANGUAGE CAPABILITY
English : Mother tongue