EEMS: when thermodynamic flexibility serves energy efficiency

Located in the Eemshaven Energy Park -in the Groningue province, NL -the Eems power station (Eemscentrale) is a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT). It is operated by GDF SUEZ Energie Nederland N.V., a subsidiary of GDF SUEZthat continually invests in new power plants, but also in the upgrade of existing power plants for better energy efficiency, thus aiming at a responsible and sustainable energy provision.

With an energy production capacity exceeding 1600 MW, the Eemshaven gas-fired plant, in operation since 1976, is one of the most powerful, cleanest and most modern in Europe. Its 5 production units ensure one of the highest performances compared to similar plants.

However, without the implementation of a project initiated 3 years ago by GDF SUEZ to enhance the turbines’ start within very short delays, this power plant would not be running today.

Thanks to the “Eems” flexibility program, the combined cycle gas turbines have moved from a base charge mode to a peak charge process: they can now start and stop twice a day. CCGTs associate a gas and a steam turbine to produce electricity. Eemscentrale combines several thermodynamic cycles in an effort towards energy efficiency. The new Eems thermodynamic process -that won a GDF SUEZ Innovation Award in 2014- allows an average 55% heat reduction upon start-up and a 70% reduction in start-up time delay (45 minutes today vs 2:30 hours before).

An innovation that, while respecting the planet and its natural resources, reliably, efficiently and flexibly enriches the energy mix; crucial to the provision of energy for all citizens and to globalsocial, economic and industrial development.