The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant

Reading time: ~12–14 minutes

Key takeaway: An Independent Technical Advisor (ITA) plays a critical role in protecting performance, quality, and investor confidence during the construction and commissioning of renewable energy plants.

The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant

Introduction 

Most renewable energy projects do not fail at the planning stage. They fail quietly during construction and commissioning, when decisions are rushed, shortcuts are taken, and problems are hidden to protect timelines.

This is where the pain begins. Defects are built into the plant, performance issues surface only after commissioning, and disputes arise over whether the project truly meets its technical promises. By then, fixing problems is costly and disruptive.

This is why The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant is so important. An Independent Technical Advisor provides objective oversight at the most critical phase of a project—when design turns into reality and long-term performance is locked in.

Summary Box

What this article explains:

• What an Independent Technical Advisor (ITA) does during construction and commissioning

• Why construction-stage oversight is critical for RE projects

• Key risks that arise if an ITA is not involved

• How ITAs protect investors, lenders, and asset owners

• Why The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant directly impacts long-term performance

What Is an Independent Technical Advisor?

An Independent Technical Advisor is a neutral specialist engaged to protect the technical integrity of a renewable energy project.

They do not build the plant. They do not supply equipment. They do not benefit from project approval or fast commissioning.

Their responsibility is to independently verify that construction and commissioning are carried out in accordance with approved designs, standards, and performance expectations.

Understanding this role is the foundation of The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant.

Why Construction and Commissioning Are High-Risk Phases

Construction and commissioning compress many decisions into a short time.

Common risks include:

• Design deviations without approval

• Poor installation quality

• Incomplete testing

• Schedule-driven shortcuts

Once embedded, these issues affect performance for decades.

The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant

1. Verifying Construction Compliance

An ITA ensures construction follows approved design and specifications.

This includes:

• Reviewing drawings and method statements

• Checking material and equipment installation

• Identifying unauthorised design changes

This protects the plant from hidden defects.

2. Monitoring Construction Quality

Quality issues often remain hidden until operation.

The ITA performs:

• Site inspections

• Quality audits

• Installation checks

Early detection prevents costly rework later.

3. Tracking Construction Progress Realistically

Reported progress can be misleading.

An ITA:

• Verifies actual progress

• Confirms milestones

• Flags unrealistic schedules

This protects lenders and investors from surprises.

4. Managing Technical Risks and Non-Conformances

Problems will occur.

The ITA:

• Logs non-conformances

• Assesses impact on performance

• Verifies corrective actions

This ensures issues are resolved properly.

5. Overseeing Testing Procedures

Testing confirms whether systems work as intended.

The ITA reviews:

• Test plans

• Acceptance criteria

• Safety checks

Incomplete testing leads to future failures.

6. Verifying Commissioning Results

Commissioning proves readiness for operation.

The ITA:

• Witnesses commissioning tests

• Reviews results

• Confirms system readiness

This step is central to The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant.

7. Confirming Grid Compliance

Grid non-compliance delays revenue.

The ITA checks:

• Protection settings

• Grid code compliance

• Synchronisation procedures

Compliance protects project cash flow.

8. Reviewing As-Built Documentation

Accurate documentation matters.

The ITA ensures:

• As-built drawings match installation

• Manuals are complete

• Records support future O&M

Poor documentation creates long-term operational risk.

9. Supporting Performance Guarantees

Performance guarantees protect investors.

The ITA:

• Verifies baseline assumptions

• Confirms testing methodology

• Supports performance acceptance

This reduces disputes later.

Why Independence Matters During Construction

During construction, pressure to meet deadlines is intense.

An independent ITA:

• Can challenge shortcuts

• Is not influenced by EPC incentives

• Prioritises long-term performance

Independence ensures honest oversight.

Common Problems When No ITA Is Involved

Without independent oversight:

• Defects go unnoticed

• Testing is rushed

• Performance issues emerge after COD

These problems are expensive to fix.

ITA Value Beyond Commissioning

The ITA role often continues into early operation.

They:

• Track initial performance

• Identify early degradation

• Support handover to O&M teams

This ensures a smooth transition.

Construction Quality Determines Lifetime Performance

Most RE plants operate for 20–30 years.

Construction decisions affect:

• Reliability

• Energy yield

• Maintenance cost

This long-term view underpins The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant.

Cost of ITA vs Cost of Failure

ITA fees are minor compared to:

• Capital invested

• Revenue over decades

• Cost of rework and disputes

The value is clear.

When Should an ITA Be Appointed?

The best time is before construction starts.

Early involvement allows:

• Risk identification

• Clear quality expectations

• Better outcomes

Late involvement limits impact.

What Makes a Good ITA During Construction?

Strong ITAs:

• Communicate clearly

• Document issues properly

• Stay firm under pressure

These qualities protect projects.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Construction and commissioning are where renewable energy projects succeed or quietly fail. Independent oversight at this stage protects quality, performance, and long-term value.

This article explained The Role of an ITA During the Construction and Commissioning of an RE Plant, from verifying construction quality to ensuring proper testing and grid compliance. Each responsibility reduces risk and strengthens investor confidence.

If you are developing, financing, or overseeing the construction of a renewable energy plant and want independent technical oversight you can trust, speak to an experienced advisor.

📞 Call or WhatsApp 0133006284 today to ensure your project is built right, commissioned properly, and set up for long-term success.