ETW Energietechnik is constructing the HKW 3c combined heat and power (CHP) plant for Stadtwerke Duisburg at the Wanheim Energy Park in Duisburg, Germany. The project will replace an existing gas turbine plant with 15 hydrogen-ready gas engines. The new plant will have a combined electrical output of 67.5 MWel and a thermal output of 74 MWth. It is designed to achieve an overall efficiency of 94.9% and will supply heat to the local district heating network at flow temperatures of up to 120°C.
The gas engines are designed for future operation with green hydrogen, allowing the facility to adapt to changing fuel requirements and support the long-term decarbonisation of district heating. The HKW 3c plant forms part of the refurbishment of the Wanheim Energy Park. Stadtwerke Duisburg plans to further reduce the carbon intensity of its district heating generation over the coming decade through the redevelopment of the energy park.
ETW Energietechnik is acting as the main contractor for the project and is responsible for planning, construction and turnkey handover. Its scope covers the major engineering and construction activities required for the new facility. The project includes structural and civil engineering for an 80-metre by 30-metre building, mechanical and plant engineering, three chimneys measuring 60 metres in height, as well as electrical and heating systems.
Marco Weiss, Managing Director of ETW Energietechnik, said the plant combines high electrical and thermal efficiency with flexibility for future energy requirements. “With the HKW 3c, we are creating a high-performance and highly flexible CHP plant that enables an efficient supply of electricity and heat whilst also being prepared for the demands of a changing energy system. Thanks to the gas engines’ H₂-ready design, the plant can be flexibly converted to 100 per cent hydrogen operation in the future,” he said.
The plant can also use biomethane as an alternative fuel. ETW said CO₂-neutral biomethane can be used directly in place of natural gas without technical modifications to the engines. This allows the proportion of biomethane to be increased progressively, including operation with up to 100% biomethane.
The fuel flexibility is intended to provide Stadtwerke Duisburg with additional options as the energy system develops and the availability of lower-carbon fuels increases. Mr Weiss said ETW’s responsibilities cover the full range of major trades, from civil and structural work to mechanical and plant engineering and the installation of electrical and heating systems. The HKW 3c project combines combined heat and power generation with preparation for hydrogen operation, providing electricity and district heating while allowing the plant to adapt to future fuel requirements.
