Reduce CO2 – burn waste wood instead of coal! The Tractebel concept study shows how the Bremen-Farge coal-fired power plant in northern Germany can switch to waste wood combustion as early as 2024.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered the main cause of climate change. Tractebel is therefore looking for solutions to reduce greenhouse gas. To that end, the coal-fired power plant in Bremen’s Farge district wants to take an innovative approach. Waste wood is to replace CO2-emission-intensive hard coal as a fuel. By switching to waste wood firing, the operator, ONYX Kraftwerk Farge GmbH & Co. KGaA (formerly ENGIE Kraftwerk Farge GmbH & Co. KGaA), wants to secure the site and jobs.
Coal-fired power plant finds ways to switch to waste wood
In spring 2020, the Farge power plant commissioned Tractebel to conduct a feasibility study. The experts’ task included investigating whether and how the switch from hard coal as a fossil fuel to waste wood can succeed. Experts from Plant Engineering GmbH supplemented the team in questions of waste wood processing.
Together, the engineers analyzed the fuel concept developed in a preliminary study with regard to its feasibility. They worked out various alternatives and determined the expected efficiency. They also determined the anticipated conversion costs. Moreover, their work assisted the operator in coordinating other contractors at the power plant as part of the potential retrofit. In January 2021, they completed the project to the client’s satisfaction.
„From our perspective, there is a lot to be said for switching to sustainable fuels. Waste wood in particular, which includes discarded pallets, formwork and plywood, is interesting as an energy source because it has a high biogenic content with relatively low fuel moisture,“ says Holger Hasselbach, Tractebel thermal power plant expert and leader of the team that prepared the feasibility study.
The next step is approval planning – a task that the team would also like to take on. „We are happy to support power plant operators in phasing out coal and making our contribution to the energy transition,“ says Hasselbach, explaining the company’s commitment.
Company Information
As one of the world’s largest engineering companies, Tractebel offers pioneering strategies for a climate-neutral future. Around 5,000 employees develop engineering solutions for complex projects in the fields of energy, water and urban infrastructure. Tractebel customers benefit from 150 years of experience and the local know-how of experts in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Revenue generated in 2019 was € 671 million. Tractebel is part of the ENGIE Group, an international low-carbon energy and services company.
Contact
Tractebel Engineering GmbH
Sabine Wulf, Head of Communications & CSR
Friedberger Straße 173
D-61118 Bad Vilbel
Phone: +49 (61 01) 55 – 0
info-de@tractebel.engie.com