Aggreko spearheads 43 MW CHP facility

Aggreko, a global supplier of mobile and modular power, temperature control and energy services, has installed a new combined heat and power (CHP) solution at the CET Arad Power Plant, Romania.

The complete solution comprised a total of total 43 MW of power: 21 MW gas generation, with a further 20 MW of thermal energy derived from the plant’s operations, supported by an additional 2MW battery capacity. The system has the potential to cut carbon emissions by up to 45% by capturing and using the plant’s exhaust gas and gas engine jacket water to generate further thermal energy.

Aggreko deployed a fully flexible system that allows for all or none of the heat to be recovered, therefore is suited to meet the required mix of thermal and electrical energy throughout seasonal changes and demand spikes. Energy stability across the site is ensured through the integration of battery units, with 2 MW of lithium-ion storage supporting the 14 gas generators. Aggreko and CET’s contract provides flexible terms to cater to the plant’s variable demand, with Aggreko’s rental solution also avoiding the need for CAPEX investment across the four-year contract.

A 43 MW Combined Heat and Power solution delivered by Aggreko more than doubles power plant efficiency and reduces carbon emissions. The solution comprises 21MW of modular thermal power and a further 20MW of gas cogeneration power, supported by 2 MW of battery storage.

The project, working to deliver efficiency increases for the plant while decreasing CO2 emissions by up to 45%, aligns with Aggreko’s wider net-zero aims and work to assist customers in their energy transitions. The company is committed to a 50% reduction in fossil diesel fuels and local air quality emissions by 2030, as well as achieving net-zero in its own operations by the same year. By 2050, Aggreko will also be a net-zero business across all of the services it provides.

The solution will help to increase efficiency and stability at the plant, a key provider of hot water and electricity for the district heating scheme and grid at the regional capital Arad City, for the next four years.

Aggreko’s skilled team of engineers had to contend with the challenges of sustaining the constant power output and demands of the plant whilst reducing carbon emissions; and simultaneously complying with stringent European Entso-E guidelines on grid compliance. The answer to the challenge was an innovative hybrid thermal and electrical cogeneration system, combining gas generators with batteries to provide important low emission ancillary services.

The power plant, operated by CET Arad, has been the main source of energy and heat for nearby Arad city for almost 50 years. It was originally built to provide heat and electricity in the 1970s, and has since developed its offer, with a fall in demand for heat meaning it now works primarily to provide electricity for the Ancillary Services market.

This project is one of a number of CHP solutions Aggreko has provided to clients to support a diverse range of requirements, including thermal power plants, mining operations, pharmaceutical companies and manufacturing production lines. Aggreko can deliver CHP solutions for both short duration projects as well as providing longer-term support as part of its flexible, modular offer.