The former Voerde Power Plant in Voerde, North Rhine-Westphalia, played a major role in Germany’s energy landscape. Located along the scenic Rhine River, the plant began operating in 1970-71 with two units generating 322 MW and 318 MW. Later, in the early 1980s, the facility expanded by adding two additional units. Each of these new units was capable of producing 695 MW. As a result, the plant’s total capacity increased to over 2,000 MW. At its peak, the facility consumed about 4 million tons of hard coal annually. It generated around 11,000 GWh of electricity every year.
History of the Voerde Power Station
The Voerde Power Plant’s history reflects Germany’s post-war industrial growth. Additionally, it highlights the country’s reliance on coal as a primary energy source during that period. Construction of the plant began in the late 1960s, a time when Germany’s economy was rapidly expanding. To address the growing demand for energy, the plant was strategically located near the Rhine River. This prime location enabled easy coal transport via waterways and rail, ensuring a steady supply of fuel. Moreover, the plant’s design and advanced technology made it one of Europe’s most efficient power stations at the time.
Over the decades, the plant encountered several significant challenges. For instance, it weathered the oil crises of the 1970s and dealt with rising global awareness of environmental issues in the 1990s. Despite these challenges, the addition of two high-capacity units in the 1980s underscored Germany’s commitment to industrial power generation. However, as environmental concerns intensified, so did criticism of coal-fired plants. Although efforts were made to modernize and improve emissions technology, the plant increasingly became a symbol of an outdated energy paradigm. Ultimately, it stood in contrast to the growing push for renewable energy solutions.
In response to these changes, Germany’s transition toward renewable energy prompted the plant’s shutdown in March 2017. This decision aligned with the country’s efforts to cut carbon emissions and adopt sustainable energy practices. Consequently, the closure marked the end of one of Germany’s most notable coal-fired power stations.
Current State of the Power Station
After the shutdown, workers began dismantling the plant. This process started with the coal storage and conveyor systems. In 2023 the iconic cooling tower was removed from the landscape using explosives. By May 2024, significant progress had been made in clearing the site. Once the site is fully cleared, it could support new residential or commercial projects. Additionally, its prime location along the Rhine makes it a valuable redevelopment opportunity.
As of writing this post, blocks 1 and 2 have been completely demolished. Meanwhile, blocks A and B are currently undergoing demolition, the turbines have already been dismantled.
