In Germany, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 18, 2026 at Stadtwerke Duisburg’s Wanheim Energy Park in Duisburg marking the start of construction of a HKW 3c CHP – a new hydrogen-ready gas-fired 74 MWth and 67.5 MWe combined heat and power (CHP) plant that will replace an existing gas turbine unit.
Compatriot ETW Energietechnik GmbH from Moers is acting as the main contractor for Stadtwerke Duisburg and will build the HKW 3c CHP plant.
The new plant will replace an existing gas turbine plant and will be operated using 15 highly efficient gas engines designed to provide a flexible and efficient energy supply.
An overall efficiency of 94.9 per cent enables particularly efficient use of the energy input. Flow temperatures of up to 120 °C can be provided to supply the local district heating network.
At the same time, all gas engines are hydrogen (H2) ready and thus the plant is designed for future use of green hydrogen.
Flexibility for the energy and heating transition
The new building forms part of the comprehensive refurbishment of the Wanheim Energy Park.
With this Energy Park, Stadtwerke Duisburg aims to further decarbonise its district heating generation over the coming decade. The HKW 3c combined heat and power plant is a key component of this transformation strategy.
With the HKW 3c, we are creating a high-performance and highly flexible CHP plant that enables an efficient supply of electricity and heat whilst also being prepared for the demands of a changing energy system. Thanks to the gas engines’ H2-ready design, the plant can be flexibly converted to 100 percent hydrogen operation in the future, said Marco Weiss, Managing Director of ETW Energietechnik.
As an expert in renewable gases, ETW Energietechnik sees not only the potential for using hydrogen as fuel but also the possibility of using biomethane aka renewable natural gas (RNG).
Natural gas and biomethane are directly interchangeable, meaning that no technical adjustments are required.
The proportion of biomethane can be gradually increased to any blend ratio up to 100 percent.
Furthermore, as of September 15, 2026, biomethane produced in Germany will be cheaper than fossil natural gas.
As the main contractor, we are responsible for the planning, construction and turnkey handover of the combined heat and power plant. The scope of work covers all key trades from the structural and civil engineering of the 80 x 30-metre building, the mechanical and plant engineering, and the three 60-metre-high chimneys, right through to the electrical and heating systems, Marco Weiss said.
Energy supply of tomorrow
The HKW 3c project is thus creating a modern combined heat and power plant in Duisburg that combines high efficiency with flexible operation and an infrastructure designed to meet future requirements.
The project thereby establishes the technical foundations for an efficient electricity and heat supply, whilst also supporting the ongoing transformation of the Wanheim Energy Park.
