Type of power station
MPP3 is an ultra-modern coal-fired power station using pulverised coal to produce steam at very high conditions (285 bar, 600 to 620 ºC). This steam is converted into electricity using a turbine and a generator.
This technology enables just over 46% efficiency – much higher than traditional coal-fired power stations. Thanks to this improvement there is an approximate 20% drop in CO2-emissions per kilowatt-hour.
The power station has a net capacity of 1,070 MW. This means that the unit will serve some 7% of domestic electricity capacity. MPP3 will be among the world’s largest coal-fired generating units. Construction cost will be around € 1.2 billion.
E.ON will also take the opportunity to co-firing biomass such as wood chips in the new power station. Right now we are studying the maximum percentage biomass that can be co-fired. This study will examine aspects such as logistics (Is there adequate capacity worldwide? Is the volume manageable logistically?) and the effects on the material of the power station. MPP3 is an ultramodern power station. New materials (metal alloys) have been developed to handle the high temperatures and pressures. To date there have not been any studies into the effects on these materials by fuels other than coal.
Expectations are that co-firing of 20% biomass on mass basis is realistic. These very large quantities will have to be brought in by ship – like coal. For E.ON Benelux it is important that the complete supply chain is sustainable.
The function of the power station
Once delivered the coal is pulverised then incinerated in a boiler and used to heat water to steam with a high temperature (+ 600ºC) and pressure (285 bar). The steam goes to a steam turbine where electricity is generated. In turn the electricity goes via transformers and a switching station to the Dutch national grid.
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Technology choice