For this project the Shikoku Electric Power Company is required to nominate and dispatch a technical manager prior to the start of plant operations. The technical manager’s main tasks are verifying whether the plant is operating adequately from the point of view of environmental conservation, health and safety, and other perspectives and managing the plant’s generation efficiency. Maintaining high efficiency is hugely important in order to help lessen the plant’s environmental impact and to ensure profitability. Shikoku Electric Power Company has the competencies accumulated over many years of experience in operating thermal plants. Hence the expectations for the company to select the best candidate for the position. As I am a thermal power engineer, I am in charge of the technical manager selection and I looked for the best local candidate. It was challenging for me, however, to hire the appropriate candidate. I had to assess through interviews and discussions the aptitude of a dozen or so candidates, while navigating the difference in our cultural backgrounds. It was a great relief when I eventually found the best candidate I felt I could fully entrust with the job. When it comes time for the commissioning phase of the power plant, I expect to travel to the site and stay for several weeks to assist him.

I have been involved consistently with this project since the formation stage. I have learned a lot during this time, as there have been many firsts for me, such as risk assessments, partner negotiations, and preparing contracts. The negotiating period leading up to the start of construction was around a year and a half, and looking back now, it was the most difficult time. For example, of the materials partners requested, there were those we could present and those we couldn’t. It was up to me to persuade our partners with the materials we could present. In other words, I have to find points that both sides can compromise on for each of the many negotiation items. Honestly, I was often irked by these back-and-forth discussions at that time. However, as it made me realize, these repeated clashes of opinions helped us develop an understanding of each other and I feel they led to the good relationship of trust we enjoy today. I’m sure further problems will arise prior to the start of operations in 2023, but I’m also certain that together we can overcome them. Personally, I hope I have a chance to work with these partners again on another project.

This job was a first-time challenge for me and I was full of apprehension. That I have been able to progress this far is thanks to the gracious assistance of my department co-workers. This teamwork is the strength of the International Business & Cooperation Department. People are there to back you up and assist you when you are unable to cope on your own. For this project, there are three core members including myself. The three of us, shrugging off the five-hour time difference with the UAE to solve problems, have become sort of brothers-in-arms. I look forward to the three of us raising a glass when the plant safely goes into full operation.