Europe’s first fully automated, large-scale hydrogen-ready CHP plant being developed

E.ON and MM Neuss (Mayr-Melnhof Karton Group) have set a new standard for industrial energy supply with the successful commissioning of a fully automated combined heat and power (CHP) plant.

For the first time in Europe, a CHP plant of this size is being fully automated thanks to E.ON IQ Energy® – an intelligent control solution that can operate in a market-oriented -manner. At the Neuss site, the MM Neuss cartonboard factory will be reliably and flexibly supplied with electricity and heat in the future.

The project demonstrates how modern energy infrastructure can be designed: low-emission, operationally reliable, and economically viable ready for the challenges of the energy transition.

The power plant was designed for hydrogen compatibility from the outset. Image©MM Neuss/E.ON

The unique key feature of the new plant is its high degree of automation, enabled by E.ON IQ Energy®. The integrated control system connects the power plant, production processes, and grid connection in real-time and dynamically responds to changes in market prices, production, or technical conditions.

The fully digitised control allows for unattended operation for up to 72 hours. Intelligent software autonomously controls start, stop, and partial load operation, data-based and market-optimised for maximum efficiency and flexibility in ongoing operations.

Manfred Wirsing, member of the management board of E.ON Energy Projects GmbH, said: “By combining state-of-the-art CHP technology, digitised control with E.ON IQ Energy®, and hydrogen readiness, we are creating a future-proof infrastructure. The system is more than just a power plant – it is a beacon of modern energy infrastructure and demonstrates how industrial partners can be reliably, flexibly, and efficiently supported on their path to climate neutrality,”

Thomas Knapp, managing director of MM Neuss, added: “The modernisation of our plant will make our production site in Neuss sustainable and future-proof. With the combination of state-of-the-art power plant technology and digitisation, we will achieve a very high level of energy efficiency, automation and independence in our energy supply.”

The combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) operated in combined heat and power achieves an electrical output of 22 megawatts (MW) and a thermal output of 59 MW. This could save up to 22,000 tons of CO₂ annually compared to conventional generation. With a fuel utilisation rate of up to 91 percent, the power plant is one of the most efficient of its kind.

The power plant was designed for hydrogen compatibility from the outset. Already today, a hydrogen content of ten percent can be used in the fuel mixture. In the future, the plant can be converted to up to 100 percent hydrogen operation – a crucial step towards climate-neutral energy supply.

For more information, visit www.eon.com and www.mm.group.