Scholven 1 Natural Gas Cogeneration Plant (Germany)

Sener has been a key partner in the energy transformation of Scholven 1 (Gelsenkirchen, Germany).

Initially, we were selected by UNIPER to build the natural gas cogeneration plant. Later, in 2024, we expanded our collaboration to develop a feasibility study on transitioning the plant to hydrogen, in collaboration with Siemens Energy.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

140 MW power output

Capable of satisfying the energy needs of industrial and other regional clients.

Produces 100 tons per hour of steam at 50 bar and 400°C.

Up to 170 MWth available for district heating.

Installation features:

two gas turbines, a back-pressure steam turbine, two heat recovery steam generators, and a gas-fired steam boiler.

Energy transition and sustainability

Scholven 1 represents a milestone in Germany’s energy transition. The shift to natural gas has lowered CO2 emissions and noise pollution. However, a potential move to hydrogen could actually increase pollutant emissions, thereby enhancing the plant’s carbon footprint.

Construction of Scholven 1 (2019-2024)

Sener managed the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for the Scholven 1 plant in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. This natural gas cogeneration facility replaced the former Scholven coal plant, one of Germany’s largest, and is designed for future hydrogen conversion.

This combined heat and power (CHP) plant provides district heating, industrial steam, and electricity. to industrial clients across the region via interconnected heat and power networks, achieving a fuel efficiency of up to 91%.

Key benefits of the Scholven 1 plant include significant reductions in CO2 emissions and other pollutants, along with decreased noise pollution, thanks to the underground gas supply pipelines.
In collaboration with auxiliary plants in Gladbeck-Zweckel, Recklinghausen, and Westerholt, Scholven 1 will provide the region with electricity, industrial steam, and district heating, serving as a pivotal element in the future transformation of the area’s energy infrastructure.

Feasibility study of the transition to hydrogen (2024-2025)

In partnership with Siemens Energy, we are conducting a feasibility study to convert the plant from natural gas to hydrogen.

This study explores the potential use of hydrogen in gas turbines and boilers, aiming for a substantial decrease in CO2 emissions and advancing our goals toward energy transition and self-sufficiency.

XEnergy

XThermal Generation

XCogeneration

Scholven 1 Natural Gas Cogeneration Plant (Germany)

Promoting the energy transition in Germany