Block 4

Block 4 is now entering the test phase or phase 1. This is where the best performing gas turbine in the world will be thoroughly tested by Siemens and monitored and examined by an entire host of specialists and engineers. This test phase will be completed by the middle of 2009.
Thereafter, the plant will be developed into a combined cycle power plant with an electricity output of 540 megawatt and then taken over by the E.ON Kraftwerke GmbH starting in 2011. A combined cycle power plant means that the hot flue gases that result from burning the natural gas are initially used to produce operating energy in the gas turbine. Thereafter, water steam is produced from the approx. 600 degrees hot flue gases in the heat-recovery steam generator which in turn drives a steam turbine.
This method ensures optimum utilization of the fuel and a very high level of efficiency is attained as is the case with Block 4 at over 60 percent.

Block 5

Block 5 in Irsching is another ultra-modern plant that was constructed by the GKI – the Gemeinschaftskraftwerk Irsching GmbH – and will be operated by the E.ON Kraftwerke GmbH. When compared to Block 4, Block 5 in Irsching has two smaller gas turbines and one steam turbine. This plant will generate 860 MW of electricity at a degree of efficiency that is over 58 percent. The power plant will come into operation in 2009.

In addition to the E.ON Kraftwerke the plant is also owned by the N-ERGIE Nürnberg, the Mainova AG, Frankfurt, and the HEAG Südhessische Energie AG in Darmstadt. Construction is still underway at present.