Synergy at the Deilbachtal Energy Campus
In 2017, Siemens signed contracts with the state-owned Libyan energy supplier, the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL), to build power plants aimed at increasing Libya’s power generation capacity by 1.3 GW. These projects are part of efforts to expand and modernise the country’s energy infrastructure. Among other initiatives, a natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant was planned and constructed at the Misrata site, equipped with Siemens SGT5-2000E turbines. The first units, with a total output of 650 MW, were commissioned in 2022 and have since made a significant contribution to stabilising Libya’s electricity supply.
The contracts between Siemens and GECOL also included extensive training for local power plant personnel. Siemens commissioned KWS Energy Knowledge eG, which, in collaboration with vgbe Technical Services, conducted training sessions for seven Libyan employees from the Misrata plant at the Deilbachtal Energy Campus. As part of this training, vgbe Technical Services provided comprehensive instruction in water chemistry, oil analysis, and materials technology, sharing both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
In the area of materials technology, the focus was on damage analysis and the condition assessment of power plant components. In addition to theoretical learning and hands-on practice, including sample preparation, it was especially important for the vgbe experts to equip the trainees with the ability to identify damage mechanisms on-site and adopt preventive strategies.
Water chemistry basics, such as those related to the water-steam cycle and cooling water systems, as well as ion exchange resin investigations, were also covered and discussed with the Libyan trainees. The theoretical content was further reinforced with practical exercises.
The analysis of oils and lubricants, as well as appropriate inhibition techniques, are critical in the maintenance and repair of power plants. The Libyan participants were given a comprehensive overview of oil management practices and the vgbe oil laboratory’s philosophy, especially concerning early detection and damage prevention.
The Libyan trainees gained valuable, hands-on experience and will be able to apply their knowledge to their work in Libya, where they will also serve as key figures in setting up and expanding local laboratories. The vgbe experts from Technical Services were particularly eager to share their expertise, contributing to trouble-free and planned plant operation in Misrata.
The close collaboration between vgbe energy e.V. and its Technical Services, along with KWS at the Deilbachtal Energy Campus, generates exceptional synergies. These synergies benefit power plant operators worldwide, as was clearly demonstrated in this recent project.
