The CCGT Grudziądz combined-cycle gas turbine power plant has delivered electricity to Poland’s national power system for the first time. Synchronising the generator with the grid is one of the most important stages in the commissioning process. Before commercial operations can begin, however, the unit must undergo further testing, including trials of the steam section and operation at its rated capacity.
The first electricity generated at the CCGT Grudziądz power plant currently under construction has been fed into Poland’s national grid. This took place during the generator synchronisation process, which was preceded by the first ignition of the gas turbine.
Reaching this milestone means that the unit’s key technological systems have been prepared for the start of operational testing. It does not yet mean that commercial electricity generation has begun.
Once construction and all testing have been completed, the plant is expected to generate enough electricity to meet the demand of approximately one million households.
“Following the first electricity generated by the Baltic Power wind farm, power produced at CCGT Grudziądz has now also been delivered to the national grid. This is an important milestone for an investment that will support Poland’s energy security and provide stable electricity supplies for around one million households,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO of ORLEN.
Further Tests Ahead for the Power Plant
The first ignition of the gas turbine makes it possible to verify the operation of the plant’s main equipment and systems. The subsequent synchronisation process involves adjusting the generator’s parameters to those of the national grid, including frequency and voltage.
Only after the required technical conditions have been met can the generated electricity be safely fed into the power system.
The next stage in the commissioning of CCGT Grudziądz will be the start-up of the steam section. In this type of power plant, hot exhaust gases produced by the gas turbine are used to generate steam, which drives an additional turbine. This increases the overall efficiency of the unit.
The plant will also be tested while operating at its rated capacity. These trials are intended to confirm its technical parameters, availability, safety and ability to cooperate with the national power system.
Once the tests have been successfully completed, the unit will be able to enter commercial operation. ORLEN expects this to happen later in 2026.
One of ORLEN’s Largest Energy Investments
The construction of the Grudziądz power plant is one of the largest energy projects currently being carried out by the ORLEN Group. At the most intensive stage of construction, nearly 1,000 people were working at the site.
According to the company, contractors have completed a total of more than 4 million working hours on the project. The construction of the power plant has required, among other materials:
- more than 30,000 cubic metres of concrete,
- approximately 4,000 tonnes of reinforcing steel,
- 6,500 tonnes of structural steel,
- approximately 500 tonnes of piping,
- nearly 900 kilometres of cables.
The extensive electrical, control and technological installations are intended to ensure the safe operation of the main equipment and provide continuous monitoring of processes taking place throughout the plant.
Gas-Fired Units to Help Stabilise the Power System
CCGT Grudziądz forms part of ORLEN Group’s programme to build new combined-cycle gas turbine units. Facilities of this kind are expected to play a stabilising role in a power system with a growing share of weather-dependent energy sources, including wind and solar power.
Gas-fired units can increase or reduce their output relatively quickly, responding to changes in electricity demand and fluctuations in generation from renewable sources.
They nevertheless continue to rely on fossil fuels and produce carbon dioxide emissions, although their emissions are lower than those of conventional coal-fired power plants.
In addition to the Grudziądz project, ORLEN Group is commissioning a combined-cycle gas turbine unit in Ostrołęka. Another unit is under construction in Gdańsk, while work has also begun on the CCGT Grudziądz II project.
At the Siekierki Combined Heat and Power Plant, work is under way to select the gas technology and the contractor responsible for the design, supply and construction of the installation.
ORLEN Plans 4.3 GW of CCGT Capacity
Under ORLEN Group’s strategy, the total installed capacity of its combined-cycle gas turbine units is expected to rise to approximately 4.3 GW by 2035.
The implementation of this programme is intended to give the Group one of the largest CCGT portfolios in the region. The units will operate as flexible sources of electricity, complementing renewable generation and replacing some of the coal-fired capacity being withdrawn from service.
The delivery of the first electricity from CCGT Grudziądz to the grid confirms progress in the commissioning process. However, the plant must still undergo further technical and acceptance testing. The results will determine when the unit can begin regular commercial operation.
Source: CEO.com.pl
