Story: 29.10.2008
Gas-fired combined-cycle power station in Bayet
Virtual image of the gas-fired combined cycle power plant in St. Pourçain, France
Construction of the first gas-fired combined-cycle power station to be operated by Alpiq in France is currently in full swing in Bayet. The plant is scheduled to go into operation in 2011.
Alpiq is implementing its first power generation project in France, in the small rural community of Bayet, located in the Auvergne region. The site – a remote region in the immediate vicinity of local gas and electricity grids – was selected at the end of 2006. Thanks not least to this selection, Alpiq was able to present a well-rounded project to local authorities and residents.
In May 2007 Alpiq opened an information centre for the local population in the village of Saint Pourçain sur Sioule. The permit for the plant's construction and operation was granted following publication of the official draft plans.
In March 2008 Alpiq commissioned Ansaldo Energia to carry out the construction work for the plant. This is scheduled to last for three years and will involve cooperation with local companies and around 300 local personnel. The new plant will go into operation at the beginning of 2011.
EUR 300 million is being invested in this project. The new gas-fired combined-cycle power station will create 75 new jobs (35 directly and 40 indirectly), helping to boost the region's economic development and generating additional tax revenue for the community.
The technology behind the Bayet gas-fired combined-cycle power station
Gas-fired combined-cycle power station technology uses a gas turbine combined with a steam turbine to generate power. Air is compressed in the compressor and then mixed with natural gas in the combustion chamber. The heat generated drives the first turbine, which in turn powers the generator to produce electricity. The heat generated by combustion is also used to generate steam by passing it through a heat recovery steam generator, which generates additional electricity via a steam turbine. The water/steam cycle is then air-cooled in a further closed cycle provided by the air condenser.
In widespread use throughout Europe, gas-fired combined-cycle power station technology is a reliable method that offers high energy yield and good environmental performance. This project will therefore play an important role in renewing and modernising France's power station park.