Little Barford's mid-life situation: upgrade proves to be the best way forward

摘要

A major gas turbine and upgrade at RWE Generation's Little Barford combined cycle plant in the UK has increased generating capacity, efficiency and outage interval, while reducing emissions. It has also greatly increased operational flexibility, which is essential for survival in current market conditions. The Little Barford combined cycle power station (originally supplied by GEC Alstom under a turnkey contract), was equipped with EGT gas turbines, built under licence from GE, and entered commercial operation in March 1996. The basic plant data are summarised in the table on p 24. In 2009 it was forecast that a plant of this vintage, with its declining efficiency relative to new plants coming on line, would probably have to close by around 2018 on economic grounds.