“Can you see that power plant over there?” I ask. That is the Central de Ciclo Combinado da Tapada do Outeiro. It stands as a crucial element in Portugal’s energy landscape.
The Central de Ciclo Combinado da Tapada do Outeiro is a 990MW gas-fired power project. It is located right here in Porto. This plant has been active since its commissioning in June 1998.
Engie and Marubeni co-own the Central de Ciclo Combinado da Tapada do Outeiro. Each holds a 50% stake in this vital energy source. It operates as a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power plant. This is often shortened to CCGT.
Natural gas is the primary fuel powering this plant. Diesel serves as a backup when natural gas is scarce. The fuel comes from Galp Energia SGPS SA and Petrogal S.A..
The Central de Ciclo Combinado da Tapada do Outeiro comprises three blocks. Each block includes one steam turbine. Specifically, Tapada do Outeiro Combined Cycle Power Plant Block I has one steam turbine. Tapada do Outeiro Combined Cycle Power Plant Block II also has one steam turbine. Finally, Tapada do Outeiro Combined Cycle Power Plant Block III includes one steam turbine.
Siemens and PROMANEC handled the engineering and construction. They provided EPC services for this gas-fired power project. Each block is equipped with a Siemens SGT5-4000F gas turbine. That means the plant has three Siemens SGT5-4000F gas turbines in total. Siemens also supplied Hydrogen Cooled electric generators for all three blocks. Additionally, Siemens Heat Transfer Technology provided steam boilers for each block.
The power generated by the Central de Ciclo Combinado da Tapada do Outeiro is sold to Rede Electrica Nacional. This occurs under a power purchase agreement. The agreement spans a period of 25 years.
The Central de Ciclo Combinado da Tapada do Outeiro is essential for Portugal’s energy security. A 2024 study emphasized its importance. It ensures the country meets its electricity demands. Even with increasing renewable energy sources, it remains vital.
Natural gas plants like this one are expected to operate until 2040. However, there are ongoing discussions about converting them. They could be adapted to run on renewable energy sources. The Tapada do Outeiro Power Plant’s license is up for renewal soon. This makes it a prime candidate for reconversion.
In 2023, Portugal saw record-low emissions. This was partly due to increased renewable energy use. The production from natural gas plants decreased by 43 percent between 2022 and 2023. Despite this, these plants are still needed to ensure a stable energy supply.
The government is planning a public tender for the Central de Ciclo Combinado da Tapada do Outeiro. This will decide who operates the plant in the coming years. The goal is to ensure continued efficient and reliable power generation.
The Central de Ciclo Combinado da Tapada do Outeiro plays a vital role in Portugal’s energy mix. It helps balance renewable energy sources and ensures a stable power supply for the country. It stands as a testament to Portugal’s commitment to both energy security and environmental responsibility.