Uniper: Wilhelmshaven power plant decommissioned to free site for new energy projects
- Decommissioning began with contractor handover in early October and is expected to finish by the end of 2029.
- The 275-metre-high chimney is scheduled for demolition in spring 2027.
- Site redevelopment across roughly 100 hectares includes a 17 MWp solar park and a 50 MW / 100 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
- Delivery of 26 batteries for the BESS from the Heyden site is scheduled for October.
Background
The Wilhelmshaven hard coal-fired power station was commissioned on 24 September 1976 and ran for 45 years, with a final capacity of 777 MW. Electricity production ended with decommissioning on 7 December 2021; over its lifetime the plant burned more than 58 million tonnes of coal and generated over 151 million MWh.
Decommissioning plan
Handover to decommissioning contractors took place at the start of October and work is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2029. A key milestone is the planned demolition of the 275-metre chimney in spring 2027. Decontamination will precede mechanical demolition, which will use specialised long-reach excavators to minimise working at height; selected buildings and facilities needed for future use will be retained.
Site redevelopment
The approximately 100-hectare site is being repurposed for new energy and industrial projects. The Voslapper Groden solar park on the former ash tip is nearing completion at about 17 MWp. A 50 MW / 100 MWh BESS is under construction, with 26 batteries due to be delivered from Heyden in October. Planned projects include a large-scale electrolysis plant for renewable hydrogen linked to future hydrogen infrastructure within the Energy Transformation Hub North-West.
Training and retention
The on-site workshop and longstanding training centre will be retained and developed as a training and further education centre to support technical workforce development for the energy transition.
Source: Uniper