Port Vera Optimization Study
2004 - 2005

Energy Solutions provided a study examining the optimum use of 100 hectares of land located in Yuzhniy (Pivdenny) Harbor and the possible installation of an Oil Terminal. This project included examining existing and planned projects in the vicinity of Odessa, Illeschance and Yuzhni Harbors. The most significant issue was the close proximity to Ukrtransnafta's Pivdenny Terminal and the Odessa - Brody Pipeline. While future negotiations are pending,Energy Solutions assisted in promoting the project as a cooperative venture, where it was viewed by many as competitive against a government entity. This project is still ongoing on an as needed basis while work proceeds to modify the property zoning according to Ukraine legislation. The project would eliminate many geopolitical concerns by allowing oil to flow in any direction, allowing the project to function on a basis of economics.

Odessa -Brody Pipeline Operation in conjunction with the existing pipelines in Ukraine Study

Under contract for the Ukraine Ministry of Energy and Fuel, Energy Solutions provided a detailed analysis of the current conditions of the oil market effecting Ukraine. The study examined a very finely balanced argument for pipeline flow direction. Ukrtransnafta had been approached by TNK-BP to fill the pipeline (that had sat unused for almost 3 years) reversing its original intention to pump oil to Europe via the town of Brody. Our study revealed that the most cash positive is in the development of contracts with Caspian Sea related oil companies. On the Economics side, due to the lack of Caspian contracts and any confirmed interest by major oil companies, the government could accept TNK-BP's offer for a maximum of 3 years, while contracts were developed and the much needed extension from Brody to Plock Poland was approved. The geopolitical situation involved the USA and EU standing strongly against reversal. Reversal would not allow Ukraine to begin diversifying their energy needs, away from Russia. On February 4, 2004 the government, after reading our report, made a decision to leave the pipeline down and develop Caspian contracts. However in July, later that year, the government reversed its decision and allowed Ukrtransnafta to develop a 3 year contract with TNK-BP. The pipeline was filled and began delivering a small quantity of oil to Pivdenny Terminal. The tariff costs associated with Odessa - Brody pipeline and the spiraling costs of Crude oil on the world market negated the use of the pipeline as it became economically unreasonable. Currently, under the new government, this decision is again being discussed and under new scrutiny.

California ISO / PX interface

Worked as a liaison between Edison International and new owners of their recently sold power plants. Provided necessary protocol between plant management, company executives and controlling agencies that included the newly formed ISO (Independent System Operator) and PX (Power Exchange). With six new owners from different parts of the United States, each company had their own way of operating generation facilities. This required understanding, training and negotiation for those who worked at the facility and those who controlled the output of these facilities. Another area of the project was the legal responsibility that Edison to provide the new owners with complete Operating Instructions, System Descriptions, P&I Diagrams and other associated electrical prints.

Power Plant Commercial Facilitation

Assisted Plant Management realize a goal to bring a Solar Test facility into commercial operation. Solar 2 is a joint venture between The United States Department of Energy and Edison International. This required understanding of the California and Federal regulations required to convert a test facility into a commercial facility on the California power grid. To meet these regulations required documented training with employees, updated operating instructions, emergency orders, notice to local fire, police as to the nature of the project and potential dangers to responders. Established "safe" entry points and maps for visiting personnel and provided training to local fire/police Chiefs and Commanders. Once the process was completed the site had to pass a facility audit conducted by executives from Edison International, US Dept. of Energy, Independent System Operator, Power Exchange, Sandia Laboratories and Bechtel Corporation.

Power Plant Commercial Facilitation

The United States Embassies in Ukraine, Armenia and Georgia requested an assessment of any risks that could be encountered in areas associated with the Y2k concerns and to validate the efforts of the local governments to remediate problems, if any. Our report was also to examine the over all utility infrastructure condition. Working with the Ministries of Energy and Fuel in the associated countries we examined random facilities and provided our report to the US Ambassadors and provided presentations for local English speaking Embassy staff and local business groups (ACC, EBA). The results of our report indicated that the Embassies would not need to make any changes to their manning or perform a "draw down" reducing manning to only necessary employees, which is very costly and cumbersome. Our report also outlined many areas of the energy sector that would be in need of improvements to equipment in the future for reliability and safety, as well environmental concerns found on our visits.

Market Studies

Ukraine Association for the Hearing Impaired (UTOG)

Assisted members of McFadden & Associates in examining 42 manufacturing facilities throughout Ukraine operated by UTOG. We provided recommendations to make their products more marketable on a global market. Energy Solutions also provided office space and staff assistance. We examined the condition of existing equipment and potential upgrades and improvements. UTOG was essentially operating on 1950's technology and their products, with the exception of some wood products, simply were not marketable, not only in Western Europe, but in Ukraine as well. Once the assessment was complete, McFadden & Associates found that the best approach would be to assist their management with training. Being UTOG had existed many years in Ukraine, McFadden & Associates found their efforts were not clearly understood or accepted. While they ceased operations in Ukraine, the study saved them time and effort, ultimately money.

Glass and Faience production

Worked with Premier Housewares locating facilities in Ukraine with the potential of supplying products for their houseware business located in Glasgow Scottland. This project required visits to the facilities and working directly with the Management and Technical departments. The project exposed that while materials and labor were inexpensive, the actual price of the products were higher than what could be purchased elsewhere. Still, Ukraine could reduce order arrival time by around 15 days, as compared to China, for example, when shipping to the U.K.. Another concern was quality, as little had been done during the soviet times to improve quality. While the facilities technical groups were eager to improve and listen to suggestions, the equipment and knowledge base of the employees on the lines prevented any real advancement in products or their configuration. The project revealed that even the best of facilities could not meet the requirements of Premier in quality or manufacture time.

Program / Project Management

Economic Development Assistance for CIS

Under several grants from the US State department and USAID - provided executive role for support to CIS Economic Development initiative, implemented the Kharkiv Consortium of Software Companies, and working to implement business development opportunities for the economically and physically disadvantaged within the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf.

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Project management for system responsible for paying pensions for under-funded or defined pension plans. System developed originally in Access, then ported to oracle, and now web portal technology. System calculates pensions for beneficiaries, accounts for taxes and court ordered payments and issues payment instructions to member bank.

Integrated Computerized Intrusion Detection System

Systems Engineering Manager - for all aspects of computerized security of military and government installations - including software design, enhancements and implementation. Also provided for configuration management - including physical security and site surveys.

Program Manager

Multi contractor billion dollar 10 year contract for providing services to the FAA, to implement and modernize the National Airspace System. Responsible for oversight and clarification of all task orders, budgets, verification of all deliverables, and reconciliation of all invoices. Include review of all contractual changes and recommendations to improve service to the organization.