Energy Transformation Hub Rhein-Ruhr

The Scholven site in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven is evolving into a modern energy and technology location – guided by the vision of the Energy Transformation Hub RheinRuhr (ETH RheinRuhr). 

Gelsenkirchen Scholven stands for a long energy history — and for a clear next step. The Scholven site is being further developed into a futureready location: with modern generation assets, with projects for new energy carriers, and with the transformation of existing plants and areas. 

A central element is Scholven 1 (GuD): a gasfired combinedcycle/CHP plant providing electricity, process steam and district heating. In parallel, the systemrelevant coal units Scholven B and C continue to secure grid stability when required — activated by the transmission system operator Amprion. 

Under the umbrella of the Energy Transformation Hub RheinRuhr (ETH RheinRuhr), future oriented projects at the site are being bundled. These include the dismantling of decommissioned cooling towers and buildings, as well as the development of new technologies such as the ammonia cracking demonstration plant (NH₃ → H₂). 

This creates a site where security of supply and transformation are deliberately combined. 

The roots of the Scholven site reach deep into the industrial history of the Ruhr region: the Scholven coal mine was sunk in 1908. As energy supply Main Text (120–180 words) 

The roots of the Scholven site reach deep into the industrial history of the Ruhr region: the Scholven coal mine was sunk in 1908. As energy supply infrastructure developed, the importance of the site grew as well. A decisive step was the expansion of capacity through large coalfired units: Scholven B–E were built between 1968 and 1971, followed by Unit F in 1979.  

Today, Scholven stands for the transition into a new phase. Alongside the existing power plant structure, the site is being actively redeveloped and modernized — with the goal of becoming a futureoriented energy and technology hub. This involves two things at the same time: ensuring security of supply within a stable energy system, and progressing toward new technologies.  

Within the Energy Transformation Hub RheinRuhr (ETH RheinRuhr), projects at the site are being brought together that make this development visible — from the dismantling of old facilities to demonstration projects for emerging energy carriers. 

Scholven 1 (CCGT / CHP) is the modern centerpiece of energy generation at the site. The plant has a net electrical capacity of 140 MW and is designed as a combinedcycle gas and steam turbine power plant with combined heat and power (CHP) capability. 

For industrial customers, steam supply is a key component: 

• 3 × 100 t/h of fresh steam at 50 bar and 400°C.
• For the region, up to 170 MWth of district heating can be provided. 

Technically, Scholven 1 consists of: 

• Two gas turbines,
• A backpressure steam turbine,
• Two heat recovery steam generators,
• And a gas fired steam boiler. 

With this setup, the plant fulfills a clear role within the site’s energy portfolio: it combines power generation with heat/steam supply and represents a central building block for the further development of the site within the ETH RheinRuhr framework.