Little Barford to get uprated clean air plant 23 June 2010

RWE npower has selected GE's technology to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and extend the life of its Little Barford power station near St. Neots, Cambridgeshire.

As part of a contract that includes uprating two 9F gas turbines and a six-year maintenance support agreement, the energy company will get the first of GE's dual fuel DLN2.6+ combustion systems in the UK.

Kevin McCullough, chief technical officer for RWE npower, explains that this will enable a reduction in NOx emissions of 40%. He also explains that the DLN2.6+ technology allows the gas turbines to be operated at reduced power during off-peak periods, while maintaining low emissions levels – which is how fuel is saved and operating costs reduced.

"Modern gas-fired power stations are already the cleanest fossil fuelled power stations," comments McCullough. "This contract, part of a wider programme of investment in major equipment at Little Barford, will increase power output as well as cutting the station's carbon footprint – ensuring we will be in the best position to provide reliable power generation into the future."

DLN2.6+ technology is already in use at power plants in Europe, notably in Italy, and this project fits with the European Union's 20/20/20 target, which involves a 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, against 1990 levels.

The uprated 9F gas turbines are scheduled to be in commercial operation by the third quarter of 2012. The station's gas turbine control system will also be upgraded with a GE Mark VIe control system.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
GE Energy Services

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.