Gas Turbine Power Plant Process Controller

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Gas Turbine Power Plant Process Controller. A Gas Turbine Power Plant Process Controller operates, controls, inspects, monitors, adjusts and maintains gas turbine power plant systems and equipment. A qualified learner will be able to: • Monitor, operate and control gas turbine power plant systems. • Monitor, operate and control the electrical plant in a gas power plant environment. • Maintain operations records and logs. • Plan and coordinate resources for energy conversion processes, operations and activities within a gas turbine power plant. • Perform operational maintenance and repairs on a gas turbine power plant. • Verify and complete gas turbine operations documentation.

South Africa, like any other country which has constant population growth is faced with a crisis in energy demand and supply. The power generated by the gas turbine is crucial to meet electricity demand during peak and emergency periods. The industry indicated that there is a need for the use of gas turbines to facilitate the provision of energy to the national grid within short timeframes, as well as terminate the supply of energy when necessary to ensure stable grid frequency. The efficient control of the gas turbine power plant contributes largely towards a stable national grid ensuring continuity of power supply to the South African residential and industrial consumers including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries thus contributing directly to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This qualification will provide the potential learners with a requisite set of competencies to ensure that gas turbine power plants are controlled for optimal performance. The targeted learners include currently employed individuals within ESKOM and those intending to join the power industry in general. It will also provide employment opportunities within the power industries as well as Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The qualification will create a learning pathway thus providing the learner with articulation possibilities horizontally to the Fossil, Hydro and Nuclear Power Plant Process Controller qualifications pegged at NQF Level 6. Currently there is no qualification registered on the NQF that the learner could vertically articulate to, however it is anticipated that an occupational certificate for power plant operations manager will be developed at NQF Level 7.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematics and Science. Or • Qualified Artisan in related trade.

• Evaluate, operate and control the balance of plant systems.
• Evaluate, operate and control unit plant systems.
• Evaluate, operate and control electrical plant systems.
• Evaluate, operate and control the power generation process in a control room.