Ansaldo Energia’s Birr test facility in Switzerland will play a key role in supporting the country’s electricity security by being enabled to operate as a strategic reserve power source during critical winter periods. This additional capability will provide a reliable safeguard for Switzerland’s power supply until new dedicated reserve plants become fully operational in the future. Powered by a GT26 gas turbine, the facility will enter reserve operation in February 2027 and will be capable of delivering a power output of 250 MW.
This enhancement marks a new chapter for Ansaldo Energia’s Birr site, which has long been a cornerstone of innovation, validating advanced gas turbine technologies and driving continuous improvements in performance, emissions, and fuel flexibility.
Reto Furrer, Executive Vice President Thermal Service at Ansaldo Energia, stated: “Enabling the Birr test facility to provide reserve power capacity is a concrete response to Switzerland’s energy security needs. Leveraging our expertise and GT26 technology, we are offering an immediate and dependable solution to ensure continuity until new reserve plants come online. This is a tangible example of Ansaldo Energia’s commitment to sustainable and secure energy solutions.”
