Düsseldorf municipal utilities’ Block “Fortuna” combined cycle power plant (CCPP) has been in operation since 2016 and is the world’s most efficient power plant of its kind to date. Along with optimal utilization, the combination of gas and steam turbines also ensures climate-friendly energy production. In addition, the ability to use waste heat for district heating increases efficiency.
Basic facts
| Client | Stadtwerke Düsseldorf AG and Siemens AG |
|---|---|
| Timeframe | December 2012 to January 2016 |
| Project location | Hafen Düsseldorf, Germany |
| Main services |
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| Involved regulations/standards |
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Initial situation and requirements
Block “Fortuna” – or Block “F” for short – exhibits several superlative features. One exceptional feature of the 500-million-euro complex is the electrical power of more than 600 MW that it supplies – the highest electrical output ever generated by a CCPP. The district heating capacity of about 300 MW also
exceeds all previous quantities produced by cogeneration. Its location near the center of the city permits the power plant to supply district heating to Düsseldorf’s residents, businesses and the second largest industrial region of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Because the district heating supplied to the network consumes no additional fuel, it has the same legal statute as renewable energies. Currently the world’s most advanced bridging technology, it will also permit future use of fuel from renewably produced biogas – at a utilization of up to 85%.
At the same time, the unit has achieved over 61% net electrical efficiency. Already during its first year of operation, the plant reduced CO2 emissions by 600,000 tons, thereby making a significant contribution to climate protection. In 2025, CO2 emissions will have been reduced by more than 1,000,000 tons.
Solutions, results
The “Fortuna” power plant block went into operation on schedule at the end of January 2016. Düsseldorf municipal utilities and Siemens placed their trust in the professional services of TÜV Rheinland. Along with numerous federal statutory regulations that apply throughout Germany, regulations which can vary from one German federal state to another always need to be observed as well.
Benefits for the client
- Reduced technical risk
- On-site inspection conducted during construction, eliminating delays to project progress and completion
- Consistent and thorough application of high standards through inspection
