HKW Erfurt-Ost Gas Power Plant, Erfurt, Germany | 109.1 MW

HKW Erfurt-Ost is a gas-fired power plant located in Erfurt, Germany, with a capacity of 109.1 MW. It is owned and operated by SWE Energie GmbH, a local utility serving the Thuringia region. The plant plays a role in the German energy mix, which is transitioning toward renewables while maintaining gas as a flexible backup. The facility operates under the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets emission limits for SOx, NOx, and dust. As a gas-fired plant, it has lower CO2 emissions compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's capacity places it in the medium-scale range for gas power plants in Germany. HKW Erfurt-Ost supports grid stability in the Erfurt area, providing dispatchable power to complement intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. Its location in an urban setting necessitates compliance with stringent local air quality standards under the EU's Ambient Air Quality Directives.

The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower SOx and NOx emissions compared to coal, but it still emits CO2. Its location near Erfurt, a city of over 200,000 residents, means emissions are subject to strict EU air quality regulations. The plant's age and technology (likely combined cycle or simple cycle) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint.