Bergen Engines Supports C-Energy's Transition to Cleaner Power

C-Energy

By adopting Bergen Engines’ medium-speed gas engines, C-Energy is now part of the transition to cleaner, more sustainable power generation.

Project Overview: C-Energy, an independent power provider, embarked on a transformative journey to modernize its energy production infrastructure, significantly reducing reliance on coal. This case study explores how Bergen Engines played a pivotal role in this transition, supplying medium-speed engines that now deliver 60 MWe of electricity and a comparable amount of heat to the towns of Tabor and Sezimovo Ústí in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.

Technological Implementation:

Initial Installation (2015): Four B35:40V20 gas engines were installed, marking the first natural gas power plant in the region using medium-speed gas engines.
Expansion (2019): Two additional B36:45V20 gas engines were integrated, each featuring 20 cylinders and delivering an extra 23 MWe to the grid. These engines, with a capacity of 600 KW per cylinder, are the largest and most powerful medium-speed engines developed by Bergen Engines.

Technical Specifications:

Total Capacity: Over 60 MWe of electrical power.
Heat Production: Equivalent to the electrical output, ensuring efficient combined heat and power (CHP) generation.

Strategic Goals and Achievements: C-Energy aimed to transition from coal-based energy production to a cleaner, more efficient system. By upgrading an old coal-fired plant into a modern facility with state-of-the-art gas engines, C-Energy significantly reduced its environmental footprint. The new B36:45 engines are characterized by:

High Efficiency: Exceptional fuel consumption rates.
Low Emissions: Minimal NOx, CO2, SOx, and particulate emissions, setting new standards in the industry.

Operational Advantages:

Versatility: Both the B35:40 and B36:45 engines can operate in various modes, including base-load, peak power, and combined cycle.
Quick Start Capability: Engines can reach their rated load within five minutes, providing rapid access to necessary power and heat.
Grid Regulation: The new engines are certified for primary and secondary grid regulation, enhancing the stability and reliability of the local energy grid.

Impact on the Region: The enhanced power plant is a significant step towards a sustainable future for the region, which traditionally relied on coal-fired plants for electricity and heat. The transition to natural gas has not only reduced emissions but also demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of modern, cleaner energy solutions.

John Kristian Johnsen, Head of Sales at Bergen Engines

“CHP plants with Bergen’s natural gas engines are a reliable alternative to coal-based plants and are significantly more environmentally friendly. Our medium-speed engines enable C-Energy to operate the plant efficiently, both in terms of cost and time.”