General Electric (GE) to Provide Power Generation Equipment for Two Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plants in Germany

08 Nov, 2023

General Electric (GE) to Provide Power Generation Equipment for Two Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plants in Germany

German energy company EnBW has selected GE Vernova's gas power business to provide H-Class natural gas-fired combined cycle power generation equipment for the transformation of two combined heat and power (CHP) plants located near Stuttgart, Germany. This partnership encompasses the construction of the two plants in Heilbronn and Altbach/Deizisau, as well as the provision of software solutions, maintenance, and services over a ten-year period.

The primary objective of this project is to replace the existing coal-fired power facilities with modern, eco-friendly alternatives that can run on a fuel mix of up to 100% hydrogen by the 2030s. GE Vernova will lead a consortium, collaborating with engineering, procurement, and construction companies Bonatti and SENER for the successful execution of these projects.

These advanced power plants are expected to become operational by the end of 2026, collectively generating 1.34GW of electricity, sufficient to meet the energy needs of approximately 2.4 million households in Germany. Additionally, they will supply steam for district heating, benefiting households, businesses, and industries across the larger Stuttgart area.

By transitioning from coal to natural gas, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%. The implementation of GE Vernova's 9HA.01 gas turbines is anticipated to also decrease emissions of other pollutants like mercury, NOx, SOx, and particulate matter.

Each of the new plants will feature a range of cutting-edge equipment, including a GE 9HA.01 gas turbine, an STF-D650 steam turbine, a W88 generator, a triple-pressure with reheat heat recovery steam generator, and GE Vernova's integrated Mark VIe distributed control system software solution. This combination is expected to enhance asset reliability, increase availability, and reduce operating and maintenance costs.

Michael Class, Senior Vice President of Generation Portfolio Management at EnBW, commented on the significance of this project, stating, "These power plants will help to increase power supply security in while simultaneously progressing in our coal phase-out efforts, we are dedicated to expanding the dependable deployment of renewable energy resources within Germany. In addition, the two power plants are designed to operate on up to 100% hydrogen, in line with EnBW's sustainability goals to be carbon-neutral by 2035."

Brice Raisin, Senior Executive Sales Leader of GE Vernova Gas Power business, expressed pride in this collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to lower-carbon power generation and embracing hydrogen technology for a more sustainable future. The Heilbronn and Altbach/Deizisau CHPs represent a significant step toward a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape in Germany.