The role of the steam turbine in the future energy system
The decarbonisation of the energy system associated with the energy transition might suggest that the importance of the steam turbine is declining. However, this assumption was once again disproved at the biennial vgbe Technical Conference “Steam Turbines and Steam Turbine Operation”. Around 200 participants from Germany and abroad travelled to Dresden to learn about the latest trends and to exchange insights within the highly interconnected vgbe steam turbine community.
The field of application for steam turbines is increasingly evolving: from conventional large-scale power generation technology to a key component for efficiency improvements, sector coupling, and the utilisation of waste heat. In an energy system dominated by renewables, with a growing share of wind and solar power, steam turbines will in future be used less for baseload operation and more for the provision of dispatchable power. Consequently, steam turbines will remain technically relevant, even though the share of fossil fuels is expected to decline in the long term.
This was also outlined in the opening address:
“The steam turbine is far from obsolete; rather, it is a key technology for reconciling security of supply, economic viability, and climate targets.”
Key topics of the conference
The event focused in particular on the following subject areas:
- Adaptation of existing fleets
- Operational challenges
- Handling of findings
- Maintenance strategies for steam turbines
The topics “Adaptation of existing fleets” and “Operational challenges” can be summarised under the guiding theme: “Steam turbines in a changing operating regime.”
Changing operating regimes
The volatility of wind and solar power has a direct impact on the mode of operation of steam turbines. The consequences include:
- Frequent start-ups
- Rapid load changes
- Operation in the part load range
- Short downtime periods
As a result, the original design conditions are increasingly exceeded. Nevertheless, plants continue to achieve very high availability rates. Targeted adaptations are required to ensure that these positive results can be maintained under changing framework conditions.
Various contributions presented retrofit measures, conversion concepts, modernisation approaches, and methods for improving energy efficiency.
Maintenance and condition monitoring
In the field of maintenance, condition-based maintenance continues to gain prominence. Presentations covered:
- Long-term experience with condition monitoring systems
- A tool combining physics-based diagnostic methods with data-driven fault detection
Furthermore, proven risk mitigation measures for creep fatigue cracking in steam turbine rotors were presented.
Contribution to grid stability
One presentation demonstrated, as an example, the role steam turbines can play in maintaining system stability during over-frequency events, particularly by preventing unplanned shutdowns.
Damage patterns and operational experience
The range of potential damage scenarios was illustrated through several practical case studies, including:
- Major global failures of steam turbine sets resulting from the failure of protection and emergency systems
- Crack formation in last-stage blades
These contributions underlined the importance of systematic condition monitoring and preventive measures.
Exchange and networking
Technological developments
The concluding presentation emphasised that the fundamental physical principles of the steam turbine remain technology-neutral. The development of a reaction turbine for the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), aimed at the efficient utilisation of low-temperature waste heat, was introduced.
Further development of this technology will be followed with great interest, and it is expected that the latest results will be presented at the next conference.
Technical exhibition and supporting programme
Alongside the conference, a technical exhibition featuring 38 exhibitors showcased products and services related to steam turbines. The lecture programme was complemented by sufficient breaks, which were actively used for technical discussions and visits to the exhibition.
Acknowledgements and outlook
The entire vgbe team would like to thank all speakers, participants, and exhibitors for their technically sound contributions, constructive discussions, and presented innovations. Through this active engagement, the 2026 Steam Turbine Conference was once again a great success.
The next Conference “Steam Turbines and Steam Turbine Operation” is scheduled to take place, as part of the regular cycle, in 2028. The venue, dates, and programme will be announced on the vgbe website and in the vgbe energy journal.
