Intensive work continues on the Grudziądz power plant construction site

In 2024, advanced installation work continued on the 560 MW unit, including the turbo set, the so-called heart of the facility. Its components were delivered to the construction site between January and April via land, sea, and river routes. During this period, other key equipment was also installed, such as the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) with its piping connected to the turbo set, transformers, electrical switchgear, and control systems along with wiring.

Additionally, several auxiliary buildings and structures were erected to house facilities such as the gas preparation station, water treatment station, auxiliary boiler house, and cooling system with a fan cooling tower. These efforts were made possible thanks to the dedication of hundreds of workers performing their tasks not only at the Skowronkowa Street site but also in factories and design offices worldwide.

Key infrastructure beyond the construction site

In 2024, work continued on the construction of a water intake system from the Vistula River, including a water pipeline to supply the plant. Thanks to a closed-loop cooling system, water consumption will be kept to a minimum. Additionally, the gas connection and overhead power transmission line, which will deliver electricity from the power plant to the Grudziądz–Węgrowo substation, were also under development.

Moreover, under agreements with the city of Grudziądz, CCGT Grudziądz has been involved in modernizing municipal roads along the new water pipeline route that will supply the plant. In 2024, the first section of Południowa Street was reconstructed, and in the coming months, work will continue on Skowronkowa Street and the construction of a bicycle path along Jaskółcza Street. These improvements will not only facilitate the power plant’s needs but also enhance transportation infrastructure and safety for local residents.

Commissioning in the coming months

Among the key tasks for the investor and contractors in the next twelve months is a pressure test of the HRSG and its auxiliary installations, along with the completion of remaining equipment installations. The final construction work on buildings and structures is also planned, followed by the installation and activation of electrical systems supplying various devices.

The commissioning of the power plant is scheduled for 2025. The first steps will involve energizing and connecting the plant to both the 400 kV transmission and 110 kV distribution networks, supplying the plant with gas, and ensuring water availability.

Subsequently, all installed machines and systems, including control and safety mechanisms, will undergo performance verification. This will be the so-called cold commissioning phase. Once successfully completed, the hot commissioning phase will begin, including the first ignition of the turbo set, initial synchronization with the power grid, and operational tests under different conditions, including achieving nominal power output.

Ensuring energy security

Combined cycle gas power plants play a crucial role in Poland’s energy transition, as they are the only viable replacements for conventional coal assets in balancing the National Power System. These plants combine operational flexibility with more than twice the emission efficiency of coal-fired units. They not only have a lower environmental impact but can also respond faster to fluctuating electricity demand caused by increasing electrification and the growing share of intermittent renewable energy sources in the power mix.