180-Meter Chimney at Voerde Power Plant Exploded - 180-Meter Chimney at Voerde Power Plant Exploded
A 180-metre chimney at the former Voerde hard coal power plant was demolished in a controlled explosion this week. The structure was once part of a facility that generated over 2,000 megawatts at its peak. The plant, located on the Rhine, shut down in 2017 and has been gradually dismantled since then.
The chimney originally stood over 220 metres tall before being partially dismantled ahead of the explosion. It was a well-known landmark along the Lower Rhine, visible for miles around. The demolition marks another step in the site’s transformation.
RWE, the energy company behind the project, plans to replace the old plant with a hydrogen-capable combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) facility. The new plant, with a capacity of around 850 megawatts, received planning approvals in 2024. Uniper is leading the development, though the project manager’s name has not been publicly disclosed. Final construction permits and government funding are still pending. If approved, the CCGT plant could start operating by 2030. The project is also expected to create new jobs in the region.
The demolition clears the way for a modern energy facility at the Voerde site. The new CCGT plant aims to support future hydrogen use while providing up to 900 megawatts of capacity. Its completion depends on further regulatory approvals and funding decisions.
