Ever wonder how a city like Saint Petersburg keeps its lights on? Let’s explore the Yugo-Zapadnaya Gas Power Plant. This power plant is vital for supplying energy to the city.
The Yugo-Zapadnaya Gas Power Plant operates with at least 460 megawatts. It’s also known as South-West CHPP. The plant’s location is in Saint Petersburg. You can find it at coordinates 59.870794, 30.18329.
The Yugo-Zapadnaya Gas Power Plant includes two units. Unit 1 is operating and uses natural gas and diesel. It has a capacity of 185 MW and uses combined cycle technology. It started operating in 2011. Unit 2 is also operating using the same fuels. Its capacity is 275 MW and it also uses combined cycle technology. Unit 2 started in 2016.
CHP means Combined Heat and Power. This technology produces electricity and thermal energy efficiently.
Yugo-Zapadnaya CHPP OJSC owns 100% of both Unit 1 and Unit 2.
GE’s technology played a role in upgrading the plant. This upgrade helps meet the growing energy demands in Saint Petersburg. The project supports Russia’s plan to modernize its energy infrastructure. An older power plant in the Kolpino district could not keep up with demand. GSR Energo, a local company, built a new combined-cycle power plant in two phases. Each phase added 110 megawatts of power and 89 megawatts of heating capacity. Combined-cycle plants capture waste heat from a gas turbine. This heat drives a steam turbine to produce more energy.
GE supplied a Frame 6FA gas turbine for the Kolpino project. Commercial operation was set to begin in 2013. The 6FA turbine is suitable for combined-cycle and industrial uses. Over 100 units are installed globally. They have completed 3 million hours of service.
Viktor Kotov, CEO of GSR Energo, said GE was the right partner. He cited GE’s proven record of reliability. Ruslan Pakhomov, a GE Energy executive, noted Russia’s initiatives for energy infrastructure investment.
Stroytransgaz handled engineering and construction for Phase I. Ansaldo Energia supplied gas turbines for both phases. Siemens provided a steam turbine for Phase I. Podolsk Machine-Building Plant ZIO supplied a steam boiler for Phase I of Yugo-Zapadnaya Gas Power Plant.
In 2011, the Yugo-Zapadnaya Gas Power Plant generated 1450393 MWh of electricity. The plant can run on diesel if natural gas is short.
The Yugo-Zapadnaya Gas Power Plant ensures a steady flow of power. Next time you switch on a light, remember the Yugo-Zapadnaya Gas Power Plant quietly working.