- Demolition of cooling tower F used 60 kg of explosives and 400 drill holes.
- 11,000 tons of concrete will be recycled on-site for excavation pits.
- Further demolitions at Scholven are planned for 2026.
- A new H2-ready gas plant is planned for the site.
Demolition Details
The cooling tower of Block F at the Scholven power plant was demolished as planned. The operation involved 60 kilograms of explosives and 400 drill holes to ensure precise collapse. The 116-meter-high structure was brought down under the supervision of blasting expert Ulrike Matthes.
Recycling and Future Plans
Approximately 11,000 tons of concrete rubble from the demolition will be processed on-site into high-quality recycled material to fill excavation pits. Uniper plans to build a new H2-ready gas-fired power plant at the site, capable of future hydrogen operation. Other environmentally friendly energy projects are also in the planning stage.
Safety Measures
Thüringer Spreng GmbH, with over 30 years of experience, managed the demolition. A comprehensive safety concept was developed in coordination with local authorities, the city of Gelsenkirchen, and neighboring companies. A 300-meter restricted area was established around the site, and residents were informed in advance about safety protocols.
Ongoing and Future Developments
Further dismantling activities at the Scholven site are progressing, with additional demolitions planned for 2026. The transformation of the site aligns with goals of decarbonization and energy security.
