We look down on the building of the Mellach thermal power plant. We can see power lines and two chimneys. The sky is blue.

Thermal energy at VERBUND

Efficient thermal power plants will continue to play a supporting role in the transition to clean energy. They are mainly used as a readily available reserve.

The Mellach thermal power plant has been in operation since 2012. The power plant is characterised by low specific emissions (360 t CO2/GWh). It is primarily used when wind power plants and photovoltaic systems generate less electricity because of weather conditions.

How does a thermal power plant work?

The combustion of the fuel used generates steam in the steam generator (boiler). The steam leaves the steam generator and flows through the turbine’s guide and blades, which drives the generator via a shaft.

The generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, and the electricity generated is fed into the grid. In the condenser, the steam leaving the turbine is condensed back into water. This water is then returned to the steam generator, and the water-steam cycle starts again.

Mellach Fernheizkraftwerk

We are inside the Mellach thermal power plant. An enormous gas turbine is being moved into its predetermined position. 6 employees are monitoring the transaction.

Combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Mellach

VERBUND operates a combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Mellach. The most important feature of combined cycle gas turbine power plants is their higher efficiency compared to conventional thermal power plants. This advantage results from the intelligent use of available energy. Rapid availability makes the power plant an indispensable reserve for supporting the power grid.

Two generator sets are in operation, each consisting of a gas turbine and a downstream steam boiler with steam turbine. They generate 832 MW of electrical energy. This results in an overall efficiency of 59%. In addition, up to 400 MW of district heating can also be supplied to the city of Graz via district heat extraction.

Mellach Gas-Kombikraftwerk

We look at the Mellach thermal power station from afar. The mood is late summer. The sky is bright blue.

A look inside the VERBUND Mellach Technology Centre

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Download: Public Information/Incident Information/Emergency Information for Thermal Energy in accordance with the Austrian Environmental Information Act (Umweltinformationsgesetz, "UIG") (information pursuant to the Major Accident Ordinance/Environmental Information Act)

Public Information/Emergency Information: Information Sheet in accordance with Section 14 UIG

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Thermal energy at VERBUND

How does a thermal power plant work?

Combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Mellach

A look inside the VERBUND Mellach Technology Centre

Download: Public Information/Incident Information/Emergency Information for Thermal Energy in accordance with the Austrian Environmental Information Act (Umweltinformationsgesetz, "UIG") (information pursuant to the Major Accident Ordinance/Environmental Information Act)

Public Information/Emergency Information: Information Sheet in accordance with Section 14 UIG

Working with the
power of nature.
Together.

Hydropower

Energy sources

Take a closer look

Thermal energy at VERBUND

How does a thermal power plant work?

Combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Mellach

A look inside the VERBUND Mellach Technology Centre

Download: Public Information/Incident Information/Emergency Information for Thermal Energy in accordance with the Austrian Environmental Information Act (Umweltinformationsgesetz, "UIG") (information pursuant to the Major Accident Ordinance/Environmental Information Act)

Public Information/Emergency Information: Information Sheet in accordance with Section 14 UIG

Working with the power of nature.Together.

Working with the
power of nature.
Together.