Ansaldo Energia has successfully completed the MXL3 upgrade at the Combigolfe Power Plant, owned by ENGIE Flexible Generation France and located in in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. The project introduced significant improvements in efficiency, performance, and environmental sustainability.
Key outcomes of the upgrade include a 31 MW increase in power output and a 2.3% improvement in gas turbine efficiency, contributing to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the upgrade enables a 45% hydrogen co-combustion capability, offering the potential to lower emissions by up to 20%.
The activity involved over 110 experts from Ansaldo Energia and contributions from 20 companies across 10 countries. Key technological features of the MXL3 upgrade include enhancements to the GT26 combustion chamber, a partially redesigned compressor with new high-pressure components, improved turbine insulation and the adoption of H-class standards to improve performance under demanding operational conditions.
MXL3 upgrade is compatible with the whole GT26 fleet. Its flexible operation modes (M and XL modes) allow the operators to switch online between “optimized performance” or “optimized maintenance cost” profiles and guarantee an extension of fuel flexibility due to the leading-edge technology MXL3 combustor. Furthermore, longer maintenance intervals are possible (40,000 Equivalent Operating Hours), thereby drastically reducing maintenance and plant downtime costs.
“We are proud for this achievement and grateful to ENGIE for our trusted, fruitful, and long-standing collaboration. - said Reto Furrer, Ansaldo Energia Executive Vice President Service. - This project strengthens the Combigolfe plant's role in delivering reliable and sustainable energy to the region and underscores Ansaldo Energia's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the power generation sector”.
