Benefits
- Reduce CO2 emission
- Reduce fuel use
- Maximum electrical output
- Reduce NOx emission
- Remote controlled
The Opportunity
Located in the heart of the European Union, in Brussels, de Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), a Free University, has stood for scientific and value-driven education, research, and knowledge transfer since its foundation in 1880.
With more than 31,000 students from 145 different countries, one of its main goals is to contribute to the development of a more sustainable society in terms of science and conscience.
In its commitment to the environment, as in December 2023, the VUB has reached a new milestone in its sustainability efforts when deciding to invest in a new power generation plant which will supply electricity and heat to the buildings in the Etterbeek campus, complying with the most stringent emissions requirements set by the International Entities.
The Solution
As in The new power plant, a combined heat and power plant (CHP), based on a Guascor Energy G-86EM engine, will supply the campus with electricity for most of the year, making it no longer completely dependent on the electricity grid. In addition, the residual heat from the CHP plant is used to heat the campus buildings and compounds during cold periods.
The CHP is an efficient method of energy power generation on spots where electricity and heat are both valued. Compared to modern natural gas power stations, which often lose the heat released, the CHP achieves a global efficiency of over 90%, half of which is the generated power electricity, and the rest is thermal energy (heat). This system is not only a technological tour de force, but it also contributes to a significant reduction of CO2-Emissions by approximately 1.600 tons per year. The University’s CHP plant is completed with a specifically designed catalyst DeNOx developed by Dordtech (Guascor Energy´s partner) which reduces nitrogen oxide pollutant emissions to close to zero, meeting European standards and legislation and being ready for route 2030.
Based on the expertise and experience within Guascor Energy and Dordtech the complete solution proves a real added value for the university as the consumed energy within the campus is generated not only efficiently but also cleanly.
The CHP plant with a capacity of 1.6 MWe, is expected to run approximately 5,000 hours per year, generating approximately 6,500 MWh of electricity, which corresponds to 50% of the electricity needs of the Etterbeek campus. The total investment in the project is approximately 2 million euros, with an expected payback period of only 2 years, depending on energy prices.
The Business
Guascor Energy is a leading company with more than 55 years of experience in the design and manufacture of diesel and gas internal combustion engines with its own technology. The company offers some of the most efficient and environmentally friendly technology platforms, products and services in distributed power generation for oil and gas, industrial, institutional, commercial clients and rural electrification programs.
In addition, our offer is completed by a range of diesel engines for marine applications for both propulsion and on-board generation.
A complete product range which meets the strictest regulatory and safety requirements always adapting to the customer´s needs. Guascor Energy has a network of more than 50 distributors and partners worldwide, which in addition to our own staff, allows us to provide unparalleled proximity and respond to the specific needs of each of our customers at a fast and personalized pace.
Guascor Energy has a network of more than 50 distributors and partners worldwide, which in addition to our own staff, allows us to provide unparalleled proximity and respond to the specific needs of each of our customers at a fast and personalized pace.
