Gas engine passes 50,000 hours of biogas to power to beer 17 August 2012

The combined heat and power (CHP) plant at Germany's Bitburger Brewery has surpassed 50,000 hours of turning biogas into power.

Based on an ecomagination-qualified Jenbacher J312 gas engine, the plant converts biogas into electricity, steam and hot water to meet the brewery's process requirements.

Since it began operating in 2005, the CHP plant has improved electricity supply for the brewery, reduced carbon dioxide emissions by an equivalent of 10,000 tons and demonstrated higher efficiency and economy, compared to the site's previous steam boiler technology.

The plant uses its own biogas – created as by-product during the wastewater treatment process following beer production – with the Jenbacher engine producing electricity and heat.

Dr Johannes Hankes, head of central engineering of the Bitburger Brewery, says that this has enabled the brewery to realise prime energy savings of about 10%.

"The project builds on a strong relationship between our companies that has included the purchase of several Jenbacher engines during the past 20 years," comments Dr Hankes.

"For example, two of GE's Jenbacher engines are installed near the Jenbacher J312 gas engine, operating in mechanical drive applications."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
GE Power Conversion Ltd

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