Poland Replaces Coal Power

Bydgoszcz Cogeneration Plant (Image Courtesy Of PGE)

Five Jenbacher J920 FleXtra engines will power a 50-MW combined heat and power (CHP) project in Bydgoszcz, Poland, for PGE Energia Ciepła S.A. (PGE). The Jenbacher units, generating a total of 52.6 MW, will each consist of a generator, a turbocharger, and an auxiliary module. Additionally, under a 10-year service agreement with PGE, the Jenbacher team will provide maintenance and assembly work, as well as start-up and operator training.

The CHP plant will be fueled with natural gas, replacing coal-fueled power plants that are currently in use. Jenbacher will work with engineering and construction firm Polimex Mostostal and its subsidiary Polimex Energetyka to implement the design, construction, installation, and all other aspects of the building process to construct the turnkey cogeneration power plant, electrode water boiler, and standby/peak boiler.

According to Jenbacher, the Bydgoszcz CHP facility will be the largest gas-fueled power plant using “Ready for H2” engines to replace a coal-fired power plant in Poland. Jenbacher’s “Ready for H2” designation means that the Jenbacher unit can be converted to operate with up to 100% hydrogen. The facility marks the first Jenbacher J920 FleXtra project in Poland.

The J920 FleXtra engines will be built at Jenbacher’s manufacturing site in Jenbach, Austria, with delivery to Poland scheduled at the beginning of Q2 2024. INNIO anticipates completing its activities related to the project in the heating season 2024/2025.

The CHP plant supports the central aspect of Poland’s energy policy of reducing reliance on coal, especially for electricity generation and district heating.