Back in operation

Since 1 October 2020, the power station has been in commercial operation again.

Earlier, in 2014, less than two years after it was officially commissioned on 26 June 2012, the plant was mothballed for economic reasons. Due to the increasing demand for controllable power and the positive developments in the wholesale market, RWE decided in 2018 to put Clauscentrale C back into operation.

Claus was named after Prince Claus of the Netherlands, who officially opened the plant in 1978.

Claus C power plant unit 

Claus power plant's unit C is a "STEG" unit with one steam and several gas turbines. At the power plant there are three gas turbine generators and the steam turbine generator from the old unit B, which is being re-used. The process of generating electricity starts with combusting natural gas in the gas turbines. The combustion gases expand in the turbine, which then drives a generator that produces electricity. The hot flue gases from the three gas turbines heat water in three flue gas boilers, which then turns into steam. This steam sets the steam turbine in motion and this in turn ensures that the connected generator starts to produce electricity. The steam that can no longer be used for generating power at the end of this process is cooled down and turned into water again, which can be re-used.

Makeover of the dike

After we put the Claus power plant back into operation, we gave the dyke a good makeover. It had become quite wild, so a makeover was no luxury. In addition, there were leaks. They had come about when we had brought the water in the cooling-water outlet channel back up to the required level. An alert farmer pointed them out to us. Fortunately, we now have nature on and around the dyke completely under control again. We have rearranged and planted the area. There is no longer a leak and the dike looks beautiful.

New residents

The icing on the cake of the redesign of the dike was the installation of a beehive. We approached a beekeeper for this, who was immediately enthusiastic about the idea of moving one of his bee colonies to the Claus power station. The wooded area is very suitable. There is plenty of nectar for the bees. And to spoil the new residents even more, we have sown flowers in front of the hive. We also do this to promote biodiversity on the dike. And for the local residents and the many people walking and cycling on the dike, because they also enjoy the beautiful bee oasis. For them, we have placed a large sign near the hive with information about the new residents.