Marbach Power Plant Enters Operation with Ansaldo’s AE94.3A Turbine

Ansaldo Energia announced the commercial operation of Marbach power plant, its second project within the German TSO strategic grid reserve initiative. Marbach is a 300-MW simple-cycle thermoelectric plant equipped with Ansaldo’s AE94.3A gas turbine and generator. This equipment combination can generate electricity for over 200,000 homes, boosting Germany’s energy security.

The Marbach plant can operate in gas-shortage situations by using oil and eventually green, decarbonized liquid fuels such as hydrogenated vegetable oil with NOx emissions below 50 mg/Nm³. Ansaldo’s AE94.3A gas turbine delivers high flexibility for the plant, with a ramp rate of 50 MW/min and reaching full load in 26 minutes. It is currently installed in more than 110 units with more than five million equivalent operating hours. The company’s gas turbine fleet is capable of mix-combustion with hydrogen, with the AE94.3A turbine reaching 40% mix.

Marbach power plant; Image Credits: Ansaldo Energia

Ansaldo Energia News

In July 2024, Ansaldo Energia and Cobra entered a contract for a new 299 MW energy security project in Dublin, Ireland. The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) will receive an AE94.3A gas turbine and associated generator. ESB selected the AE94.3A for reliability, cost-efficiency, high performance, and suitability for peak load applications.

The consortium and ESB will develop a simple-cycle power plant to strengthen the flexibility and stability of Ireland’s power system, which is thoroughly integrated with intermittent renewable energy sources. Ansaldo’s AE94.3A will leverage its rapid-response capability to manage fluctuating energy needs.

In April, Ansaldo Energia completed the first parallel operation of a GT36 gas turbine in a new 800 MW combined-cycle unit at EP Produzione’s Tavazzano and Montanaso power plant in Italy. The company parallel synchronized the gas turbine with Italy’s electricity grid, furthering the commissioning process for the unit that can provide the annual power consumption for over 1.5 million households. A few days prior to the first parallel, Ansaldo Energia completed the first firing of the gas turbine.

The unit is comprised of a GT36 H-class gas turbine coupled to a steam turbine and two generators, with all complex components manufactured at Ansaldo Energia’s factories. Ansaldo Energia’s GT36 gas turbine can respond to network load requirements to ensure high performance and reduce emissions. It is also ready for hydrogen combustion up to a mixture of 70%. EP Produzione’s new unit will help to secure the national electricity system and compensate for renewable energy intermittency.

And, in February 2024, Ansaldo Energia has announced the signing of a supply contract for a Kazakhstan-based power plant project—the “Reconstruction of Almaty CHPP-3”. In cooperation with Kazakh power company KBI Energy Group, Ansaldo Energia will deliver two AE94.2 gas turbines, two generators, and associated auxiliary equipment. Construction and completion of the Almaty CHPP-3 power plant will allow customers to produce electricity in a sustainable, low-cost manner.