Energy company ENGIE Deutschland AG has been awarded a contract for an approximately eight-hectare subplot on the former power plant site in Ensdorf. The aim is to construct a hydrogen-compatible combined-cycle power station. A requirement for implementing this project is ENGIE successfully participating in the federal government’s planned tender process for the construction of hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power stations, as part of the country’s power plant strategy.
For this planned project, ENGIE will be entering into a leasehold contract with gwSaar for an approximately eight-hectare plot below the existing substation on the former power plant site. At the same time, the company will begin further planning work for erecting a high-efficiency combined-cycle power station using state-of-the-art gas turbine technology. There are also plans for a gas compression system to provide a link to the national gas network, as well as a connection to the neighbouring substation. The station will be set up to enable hydrogen to also be used instead of natural gas in the future. The final investment decision is in particular contingent upon being awarded the contract in the federal tender process, as well as successfully completing the necessary approval tests and feasibility studies.
Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke: ‘This decision lays the groundwork for a future-oriented project that is hugely important for Saarland. Ensdorf offers the ideal conditions for a modern hydrogen-compatible power station that combines security of supply, industrial competitiveness and climate protection. It is now up to the federal government to get the tender process underway quickly so that these plans can result in specific investment, value creation and good jobs. This is structural change with tangible benefits for the economy, municipalities and local people.’
gwSaar’s CEO Thomas Schuck: ‘Demand for land to construct power plants shows that the Ensdorf industrial and commercial park is of interest to major investors thanks to its geographic location, land availability and networking opportunities. The former power plant site offers ideal spaces for these investors and also SMEs to set up operations and enjoy individual growth.’
ENGIE Deutschland AG, part of the international ENGIE group, is a leading provider of energy and services in Germany. The company supports the energy revolution by developing, constructing, operating and marketing renewable energies and storage. This is paired with flexible, low-carbon generating plants that help to ensure security of supply and system stability.
>> www.engie-deutschland.de/en
Photo: gwSaar
