Frimley, 2011-Aug-25
The largest steam turbine modernisation programme in the UK is moving rapidly towards completion at Drax Power Station in Selby, as the final Siemens-built turbine rotor blade components were delivered to site this week. On completion, the project will enable Drax to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by one million tonnes a year, equivalent to taking 275,000 cars off the road.
The £100 million contract to replace the low pressure and high pressure turbines on all six generating units at the power station was signed in 2007 between Drax Power Limited (“Drax”) and Siemens. The contract set in motion the manufacturing of 28 separate turbine rotors weighing over 2,800 tonnes and over 80,000 individualised turbine blades, which, laid end-to-end would stretch the distance of a marathon. The contract also secured the establishment of a global supply chain and a six-year installation initiative, as well as forging a unique, industry-leading relationship between the two companies. Together, this complex undertaking will help Drax increase its overall efficiency to almost 40%, reinforcing its position as the most efficient coal-fired power station in the UK.
The international project has seen commitment, cooperation and hard work from Drax, the Siemens service teams in Newcastle and in Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany. The combined team effort over the past four years has enabled the project to move forward smoothly to final delivery this year.
Peter Emery, production director at Drax said: “The relationship we have with Siemens has gone from strength to strength. Together we are working towards one goal and we are proud to have achieved so much together.
“Through increasing the overall efficiency of the electricity generation process, the new turbines make a meaningful reduction in our carbon footprint. This, along with the fantastic working relationship we have built with Siemens, is definitely something to celebrate.”
Darren Davidson, head of projects at Siemens Energy Service UK in Newcastle, said: “Drax was keen to take a long-term view of operations with the integrity of the turbines in mind, as well as improving the efficiency of the power station and reducing carbon emissions. We met Drax’ requirements in each of these areas and worked closely together as a team from start to finish. We were able to bring to light issues relating to the sustainability of the plant, and then suggest ways in which this could be achieved from design through to installation, and beyond. We look forward to continuing to support Drax on future projects”
Jürgen Bahr, the lead for the Drax project at Siemens Mulheim since November 2009, said: “over the last two years, each unit has been delivered successfully and on schedule. The whole team has demonstrated excellence throughout the project. We have to thank the team at Drax and our colleagues in Newcastle for their cooperative approach.”
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Notes to editors:
About Siemens in the UK
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 168 years ago and now employs around 16,000 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £4.1 billion. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany.
For more information, contact:
Rachel Odams
PR Manager
Siemens plc
Tel. +44 (0)1276 690782
Mob: +44 (0)7808 824209
Rachel.odams@siemens.com
About Drax Power Limited
Drax Power Limited is the owner of Drax Power Station, the largest, cleanest and most efficient coal-fired power station in the UK. The output capacity from the station’s six generators is 4,000MW. At current output levels it supplies some 7% of the UK’s electricity needs.
For more information, contact:
Melanie Wedgbury/Rachael Hudson
Drax Power
Tel: + 44 (0) 1757 618381
Richard Harrison/Sam Addie
Imagen PR
Tel: +44 (0)1943468778
Steam turbine retrofit timetable:
2007 Unit 3 HP module installed
2008 Unit 5 and 1 LP and HP modules installed
2009 Unit 6 LP and HP modules installed
2010 Unit 4 LP and HP modules installed
2011 Unit 2 LP and HP modules installed
2012 Unit 3 LP module will be installed
