The PDC Project Development Framework
Every project moves through the same governed sequence. Each stage has entry requirements, a decision gate, approval authority, a risk review and clear exit criteria.
Six Decision Gates
Each gate is a go/no-go decision point. Before more time and money are committed, we ask whether the project deserves to proceed.
Opportunity
Should PDC investigate this opportunity?
Before we allocate resources, we screen for strategic fit, sector alignment, sponsor credibility and scale. Projects that do not meet basic criteria are declined early.
Key documents: Opportunity assessment
Concept
Is the opportunity sufficiently credible?
We validate the concept through initial technical review, market assessment and stakeholder confirmation. If the concept is not credible, we do not proceed to detailed studies.
Key documents: Concept validation report, Project screening report
Feasibility
Is it technically, commercially and legally viable?
Comprehensive studies in engineering, market, operations, regulation, environment and risk. The project must pass every dimension before we advance to structuring.
Key documents: Feasibility study, Technical/market/operational studies, Regulatory assessment, Environmental and social assessment, Risk assessment
Investment
Can it be structured and financed?
We design the financial architecture, capital structure and investment terms. The project must be bankable to lenders and investable to DFIs and institutional investors.
Key documents: Financial architecture document, Project and investment memoranda, Sources and uses, Capital structure analysis, Due-diligence checklist
Execution
Are the conditions for implementation satisfied?
Financial close, contracts signed, permits secured, team mobilised. We confirm that every precondition for implementation is met before execution begins.
Key documents: Project management plan, Procurement tracker, Implementation schedule
Operations
Can the asset operate sustainably?
Commissioning complete, handover to operators, performance verified. We confirm the asset can meet its operational and financial targets.
Key documents: Commissioning report, Close-out report, Operations handover
The Operating Workflow
Thirteen stages from first idea to sustainable operation. Each stage has a responsible department, required documents and clear outputs.
| Stage | Responsible | Key Output |
|---|---|---|
| Opportunity | Executive Office | Opportunity assessment |
| Screen | Project Development | Screening decision |
| Validate | Project Development | Concept validation report |
| Feasibility | Technical Division | Feasibility study |
| Plan | Project Development | Project development plan |
| Design | Technical Division | Technical design and specifications |
| Structure | Finance & Commercial | Financial architecture and capital structure |
| Finance | Investment & Partnerships | Financing secured |
| Set Up | Project Management | Project entity established, team mobilised |
| Execute | Project Management | Construction/implementation progress |
| Commission | Technical Division | Commissioning complete |
| Monitor | Project Management | Performance tracking and reporting |
| Handover / Operate | Project Management | Asset handed to operators |
Governance and Accountability
Every decision is documented, every gate has an approval authority, and every risk is reviewed.
Entry Requirements
Each stage has clear prerequisites. Without satisfying entry requirements, a project cannot advance.
Decision Gates
Go/no-go decisions at critical points. Clear criteria, documented justification and sign-off authority.
Approval Authority
Different decisions require different approval levels. Managing Director, Executive Chairman or Board approval based on materiality.
Risk Review
Risk register updated at every stage. New risks identified, mitigations defined, residual risk accepted.
Exit Criteria
Clear outputs required to complete a stage. No stage is marked complete until deliverables are satisfied.
Documentation
Every decision, action and milestone is documented. Complete audit trail from concept to operations.
Have a project that needs to move from opportunity to execution?
Tell us about it. Every submission is screened at Gate 0 and answered with clear next steps.
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