GE Technology bringing efficiency and low emissions to Portugal’s refineries 08 April 2010

Galp Energia's Matosinhos cogeneration plant near Porto – one of the largest cogeneration facilities in Portugal – expects the commissioning of two Frame 6B gas turbines and auxiliary equipment from GE to increase the plant's efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

The new turbines are the third and fourth GE 6B gas turbines selected by Galp Energia to modernise power and steam production for its refineries in Portugal. The first two recently entered commercial operation at a cogeneration plant for the Sines petrochemical industrial park.

It's another success for GE's Frame 6B, which has earned a reputation for excellent reliability and versatility, as well as an ability to run in complex load situations and on a variety of fuels, all while employing a Dry Low NOx combustion system for low emissions.

Ricardo Manzoni, of Galp Energia, explains that, at Matosinhos, the gas will replace older oil-fired technology, in line with the Portuguese Government's regulation to promote efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.

The turbines will provide the main building blocks for delivering 80MW of power, and are expected to provide all of the steam requirements for the nearby Galp Energia's Matosinhos refinery. They will also enable the firm to produce electricity and sell it to Portugal's national grid.

The Matosinhos cogeneration turnkey project is being developed for Galp Energia by the consortium Ensulmeci-Efacec Cogeraçao do Porto, ACE, formed by two of the major Portuguese engineering, procurement and construction companies.

"The modernization of our refineries with GE Frame 6B gas turbines supports the growing interest in Portugal to implement cogeneration as a more efficient, cleaner way to produce electricity and meet our process steam needs," says Manzoni.

"The use of 6B technology at the Matosinhos plant will enable us to avoid emissions of over 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year," he adds.

Brian Tinham

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