Milestone in the construction of PGE Nowy Rybnik combined cycle power plant: key role of inland waterway transport

A crucial stage in the construction of the new power plant in Rybnik has been completed—the installation of the gas turbine, which serves as the heart of the new generating unit. Together with the generator, this equipment will provide approximately 593 MWe of power, making PGE Nowy Rybnik one of the largest and most efficient combined cycle units in Europe. Thanks to its cutting-edge technology and high efficiency, the plant will ensure a stable supply of electricity to nearly 2 million consumers in Poland starting in 2027.

business power engineering news inland shipping

27 february 2025   |   10:05   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. PGE

Inland waterway transport – a key logistics component

The successful execution of this strategic project would not have been possible without the use of inland waterway transport, which played a crucial role in delivering the nearly 390-ton gas turbine. The transportation process utilized waterways—the turbine was shipped from Szczecin to the port in Kędzierzyn-Koźle via the Oder River and the Gliwice Canal, enabling efficient and safe delivery close to the final construction site.

The unloading operation in Kędzierzyn-Koźle was carried out using specialized cranes with lifting capacities of several hundred tons. Subsequently, the turbine was transported overland to Rybnik on a multi-axle transport platform. The entire operation required meticulous planning, including an analysis of bridge and viaduct load capacities, as well as coordination with road services for the temporary removal of traffic signs and signals. Upon arrival at the construction site, the turbine was positioned on its prepared foundation using an advanced hydraulic jacking system.

- The gas power plant being constructed by PGE, valued at approximately PLN 3.6 billion, is currently one of the largest energy projects in the country. We are particularly pleased that the consortium leading this investment is headed by a Polish company. The Rybnik project directly contributes to regional development and job creation. At present, around 500 workers are engaged on-site, with peak construction periods expected to see up to 1,200 employees. The recently delivered and installed gas turbine serves as the ‘heart’ of PGE Nowy Rybnik power plant, where the critical process of converting natural gas into mechanical energy will take place—driving the generator to produce electricity for 2 million consumers in Poland, said Dariusz Marzec, president of the management board of PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna.

Advanced technology and environmental solutions

The PLN 3.6 billion investment in PGE’s new power plant is among the largest energy projects in Poland. The state-of-the-art 880 MW combined cycle unit, boasting an efficiency of nearly 64%, will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions while virtually eliminating particulate matter and sulfur oxide emissions compared to the previous coal-fired units of the Rybnik power plant. Additionally, the facility is designed for future hydrogen co-firing, aligning with Poland’s long-term decarbonization goals.

- This power plant represents a tremendous opportunity for Rybnik and the entire region. After 50 years, our city is embracing new technology that combines technological progress with environmental responsibility, emphasized Piotr Kuczera, mayor of Rybnik.

- Today, the gas turbine was installed on a foundation prepared by Polimex Mostostal, marking a key milestone in the construction of the new gas unit at the Rybnik power plant. This achievement allows us to continue crucial assembly work on the gas turbine hall. The project is already about 60% complete. In the coming months, we will proceed with further installations of essential technological components in the gas, steam, and boiler halls, as well as numerous structural and assembly works across all necessary facilities, said Jakub Stypuła, acting CEO of Polimex Mostostal S.A.

The strategic role of inland waterway transport in heavy cargo logistics

The execution of such a complex transport operation highlights the strategic importance of Poland’s inland waterway infrastructure. The Oder waterway and the Gliwice Canal facilitate the efficient and environmentally friendly transportation of oversized cargo, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions compared to road transport. The use of waterborne transport in this investment underscores its vital role in the logistics of large-scale infrastructure projects.

The construction of the Rybnik combined cycle unit, scheduled for completion between late 2026 and early 2027, marks another milestone in Poland’s energy transition and reinforces the growing importance of inland waterway transport in national industrial and energy projects.

Buy us a coffee, and we’ll invest in great maritime journalism! Support Gazeta Morska and help us sail forward – click here!

polska grupa energetyczna pge żegluga rzeczna żegluga śródlądowa pge nowy rybnik

comments

---

enter content

COMMENT

nick

Add the first comment