Glancing up at the imposing structure of the Diemen Power Plant, one might wonder about its crucial role in powering Amsterdam. This is not just another industrial building. The Diemen Power Plant is a key player in the region’s energy supply. Let’s dive into the story of this essential facility.
The Diemen Power Plant actually consists of two main plants. There is Diemen 33 and Diemen 34. Diemen 33 is a combined cycle gas turbine plant. It also uses combined heat and power technology. This plant uses natural gas as its fuel. It began operating in the autumn of 1995.
Then there is Diemen 34. It is a newer gas-fired installation. Diemen 34 boasts an electrical efficiency of over 59%. Its electrical capacity exceeds 435 megawatts. Besides generating electricity, Diemen 34 supplies heat for district heating. This boosts the plant’s overall efficiency to as high as 85%.
Both Diemen 33 and Diemen 34 contribute to district heating. They serve households in Amsterdam Zuidoost, IJburg, and Almere. A remarkable feat of engineering supports the heat transportation to Almere. An 8.5 km long pipe runs underneath the IJ Lake. This pipe lies 1.5 meters deep in the lakebed. It has a heat capacity of 180 MW. Imagine 3.3 million liters of water circulating in this pipe at 10 miles per hour.
To optimize district heating, a heat buffer is installed on site. This buffer holds 23000 m3 of district heating water.
The Swedish power company Vattenfall operates the Diemen Power Plant. Vattenfall once planned a biomass power station in Diemen. This plan drew criticism from local residents and even Greta Thunberg. Concerns arose about deforestation, high CO2 emissions, and air pollution. As a result, Vattenfall put the biomass project on hold.
Instead, Vattenfall is investing in a large water boiler. This boiler uses green electricity to supply heating and hot water. It will serve residents of Amsterdam, Almere, and Diemen. This e-boiler has a capacity of 150 MW.
Vattenfall aims to supply 100% sustainable heat in the Amsterdam region by 2040. The e-boiler is expected to be fully operational in early 2025. The E-boiler only switches on if the electricity mix is sustainable with a lot of electricity from solar and wind. When there is insufficient green energy, the gas-fired power plants in Diemen are still needed to produce electricity
The Diemen Power Plant stands as a testament to evolving energy solutions. It balances current needs with a vision for a sustainable future. From its efficient gas-fired plants to its embrace of innovative e-boiler technology, Diemen Power Plant is a crucial part of Amsterdam’s energy landscape.