GBE Gocher opens biomass-fuel cogeneration plant in Goch, Germany

A joint venture of RWE Innogy, Goch-based food producer Nähr-Engel and Goch municipal utility, GBE Gocher has completed the 18-month construction on schedule.

The combined heat and power plant, with a capacity to generate 28MW thermal and 7.6MW electric power, utilises landscaping wood for power production.

Power from the plant will be supplied to both Nähr-Engel and the town grid. The plant is projected to power 11,000 households and displace 48,000t of carbon dioxide a year.

Nähr-Engel MD Johannes Anton van den Boom said that the conversion of the company’s steam supply to largely carbon-neutral biomass is strategic with sustainable development.

"Being a manufacturer of foodstuffs, we take great care along the entire value chain that the required resources are used sparingly. The biomass plant fits in with this understanding of sustainability in practice."

RWE Innogy Germany biomass head Frank Mattat said that the plant has been tailored to cater to both Nähr-Engel and the local conditions of the former Hendick site.

"The plant is a successful example of decentralised combined heat and power production and stands for climate protection and energy efficiency," Mattat added.

Goch municipal utility managing director stated, "At Goch, electricity production will exceed consumption in the future. Goch has thus already successfully managed the energy turnaround."