The engines will use the active mine’s own methane gas to generate about 129MW in total power output, covering the mine’s on-site power and heat requirements. The initiative will also reduce site emissions and support workplace safety initiatives. The privately owned mine is located near the town of Krasnoarmeisk in the coal-rich Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.
When the Krasnoarmeiskaya Zapadnaya project reaches full operation, it is expected to potentially reduce the equivalent of more than two million tons CO2 emissions per year, compared to venting the gas into the atmosphere, qualifying the plant for carbon emission trading certificates.
The power project’s engineering and procurement contractor Sinapse CHNPP secured the framework agreement to install up to 20 of GE’s 3MW JMS 620 GS-SL systems, which are designed specifically for projects with low methane contents. Sinapse is also GE’s authorized Jenbacher engine distributor for the region.
The cogeneration units will operate in parallel to the local grid. The mine gas-fueled plant will have total electrical and thermal outputs of 60.9MW and 67.8MW, respectively, with the electrical and thermal power being used to support mine operations.
The Jenbacher units are scheduled to be delivered to the site between 2008 and 2011. GE is also supplying a complete heat utilization system, emergency cooling, control and synchronization system, as well as start-up and commissioning. Long-term service for the Jenbacher units will also be provided by Sinapse, enhancing the value of this alternative energy project, said GE Energy.
