The project plans to upgrade unit two of edp’s 922MW Aboño power plant, located near Gijon, Asturias in Northern Spain.
The plant, which currently fires a mix of coal and Blast Furnace Gas (BFG) sourced from a nearby steelworks, will be converted to firing a blend of natural gas, BFG and, later on, hydrogen.
The conversion will reduce emissions of particulates and sulphur oxides by almost 100% and nitrogen oxides by 80%. In terms of CO2 emissions, the average reduction will be 30%, depending on the volume of BFG being co-fired.
Also, by utilising BFG as a second fuel, a further one million tonnes of CO2 emissions will be avoided.
RJM will be supplying 30 new low NOx gas burners to replace the existing coal burners, and 12 conversion kits to allow the BFG pilot burners to fire natural gas. RJM’s scope also includes detailed CFD studies of the furnace and combustion air systems to ensure that the new fuel mix will not impact negatively on MW output, reliability or efficiency.
Commenting on the project was John Goldring, managing director of RJM: “We know our track record of successfully completing similarly complex power plant upgrade projects and coal to gas conversions stood us in good stead with the customer and we are delighted to be working with Wood and Duro Felguera on this major contract.
“Looking ahead, we aim to develop further emissions reduction and decarbonisation projects on coal-to-gas conversions of other utility boilers in Europe, the USA and the rest of world.”
Work on the Aboño power plant project is underway with the aim to complete the upgrade in July 2025.
The Aboño plant selected engineering consultants Wood to source the technology provider to upgrade the plant and deliver the conversion under an award to Duro Felguera as the main EPC contractor.
