GE’s dual fuel DLN2.6+ combustion system technology, which enables a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 40%, is being installed for the first time in the UK. RWE npower, a leading integrated UK energy company serving around 6.7 million customer accounts in Great Britain, recently selected GE 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 including the uprate of two 9F gas turbines and a six-year Maintenance Support Agreement, the upgrade includes the installation of GE’s new combustion system.
The DLN2.6+ technology allows the gas turbines to be operated at reduced power during off-peak periods while maintaining low emissions levels. This saves fuel consumption and leads to reduced operating costs. DLN2.6+ technology is already in use at power plants elsewhere in Europe, notably in Italy, where emissions regulations are particularly stringent. This UK project fits with the European Union’s 20/20/20 target, which involves a 20% cut in emissions of greenhouse gases by 2020, compared to 1990 levels.
“Modern gas-fired power stations are already the cleanest fossil fuelled power stations,” points out Kevin McCullough, chief technical officer for RWE npower. “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.”
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 also will be upgraded with a GE Mark VIe control system.
“As our first DLN 2.6+ project in the United Kingdom, we are pleased to bring our expertise and proven flexible, low NOx technology to help reduce emissions in the UK,” says Magued Eldaief, managing director United Kingdom for GE Energy. “This upgrade will enable Little Barford to operate more efficiently and flexibly.”
GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With nearly 85,000 global employees and 2009 revenues of $37 billion, GE Energy is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas – work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.