Russian steelmaker Severstal has announced the launch of an 18 MW capacity gas-reciprocating power plant running on methane ( a coal by-product) at an industrial site of the Severnaya mine located in Vorkuta, a structural unit of Vorkutaugol, one of the largest coal mining companies in Russia.
Vorkutaugol began improving energy efficiency in 2010. The Severnaya mine was selected as a pilot industrial site for these initiatives, while ZVEZDA-Energetika was the contractor. The total project cost is estimated at RUB 1 billion ($28.9 million).
The gas-reciprocating power plant is capable of producing 110.5 megawatt/hour of electrical power and more than 56.700 Gcal/hour of thermal power. The major construction works and associated gas parameters make this a unique project in Russia.
The energy output will be used to heat the air delivered to the mine's administrative buildings and to support a range of processes. Electrical power is provided to supply surface and underground facilities.
Besides energy efficiency, the gas thermal power plant will have a positive environmental impact by significantly reducing methane emissions.