Hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power plants for secure and affordable electricity
In Germany, more and more reliable capacity will be taken off the grid in the coming years. A supply gap is looming. That is why new, hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power plants are needed.
In its Security of Supply Report, the Federal Network Agency estimates the need for additional controllable capacity by 2035 at between 22.4 and 35.5 gigawatts. Whilst flexibility measures could make an important contribution, at best they would merely prevent the need to build even more power plants.
This shows that Germany needs hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power plants as the backbone of tomorrow’s energy system. This is how we make our electricity supply more secure and affordable. At the same time, we are strengthening a generation capacity in Germany that is set to become climate-neutral.
That is why it is right that the Federal Government has made the power plant strategy one of its energy policy priorities. In this way, we are creating the conditions to ensure that the urgently needed power plants can be connected to the grid by 2030/2031.
Regulatory framework still pending
It is crucial that the legal framework for the tenders is now swiftly put in place. Pragmatism should remain the order of the day.
The tenders for new power plants must be simple, geared towards the tight global market for plant, and above all economically viable. Only in this way can a planning project become a reality.
Capacity market as the backbone
The new gas-fired power plants will primarily step in when the grid needs them, when wind and solar cannot supply enough energy – think of periods of low wind and low sunshine.
This must be adequately rewarded. The tenders for new power plants and the capacity market should therefore go hand in hand as far as possible. What is needed are long-term incentives for reliable electricity generation and supply.
GuD Herne
The combined cycle power plant in Herne began operations at the end of 2022 and is one of the most modern combined cycle plants in the world. It achieves very high efficiency in cogeneration mode, reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 50% compared to hard coal, and is already technically capable of running on 15% hydrogen.
GuD Bergkamen
At our Bergkamen site, we are planning a new hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power plant with a capacity of approximately 880 MW, which is intended to replace the old coal-fired unit in the long term.
Fenne Gas Engine Power Plant
At our historic power plant site in Völklingen-Fenne, we are planning a gas engine power plant with a capacity of up to 150 MW.
