Alstom hands over GKM coal-fired power station

Alstom recently handed over a part of the newly constructed Block 9 of the GKM coal-fired power station to Grosskraftwerk Mannheim AG (GKM), after successful completion of the trial operation. The trial served as the proof of performance for reliable operation of the new block, which has been in commercial operation in Europe since May 2015.

The plant is operating at advanced ultra-supercritical (USC) conditions, in which the steam is produced and used at the highest pressure and temperature, allowing it to reach the highest efficiency. As a result, the new coal-fired block is burning less coal per MW produced. This is contributing significantly to the reduction of global CO2 emissions. With a gross power output of 911 MW, efficiency of over 46 percent and a maximum fuel utilisation of 70 percent in cogeneration mode, the new block is setting standards for high performance and low operation costs.

The commissioning and the end of trial operation of the new Block 9 unit has allowed to take two older and less performing units (Blocks 3 and 4) offline. This will harvest the full benefits of the new unit, economically and from an environmental viewpoint, preventing 1.3 million tonnes of CO2 per year.

As part of the project, Alstom was in charge of design, supply, installation and commissioning of the two main components of the power station, the steam generator (boiler), including the nitrogen oxides reduction system as well the steam turbine group (steam turbine and generator), including condensers, high-, medium- and low pressure turbines and the corresponding valves.

Dr. Karl-Heinz Czychon, Technical Director of Grosskraftwerk Mannheim AG said, 

"The new Block 9 has been online since November 2014 and the scope of supply fully meets our specifications. As a highly efficient cogeneration plant, Block 9 will make a significant contribution to meeting the German government's goals for the expansion of cogeneration. Moreover, by preventing CO2 emissions of 1.3 million tonnes per year, it will also help to achieve climate and environmental protection goals."