Architects closely involved in plan for
multifuel power station
‘It’s great to be involved in such a challenging project’
The Eemshaven in Groningen will be the location for an ultramodern power station in which a range of fuels can be combusted and the emphasis will be on clean energy from fossil fuels and biomass - the Magnum Multifuel Power Plant. This is a megaproject of power generator Nuon, and a team of Royal Haskoning architects - Joris Smits, Jurgen Boonstra and Filipa Vieira Santos – is playing a leading role.
The new plant, which will occupy a site covering some 50 hectares, will be built in two phases. Initially it will be operated as a conventional gas-fired gas turbine installation (combined cycle). It will become a multifuel facility at a later stage. Working hand in glove, Nuon and Royal Haskoning are paying particular attention to such factors as sustainability and logistics. All being well the power station, which is as unique as it is innovative, will be complete in about four years.
Visualisation and colour study
To begin with the Royal Haskoning architects visualised the impact that the plant – with three 90-metre-high gasification towers among other things – will have on the landscape. “We then explained how in our vision these volumes can best be fitted into the surroundings”, says Royal Haskoning’s Joris Smits. “We also conducted a colour study. The process taking place in the plant can be supported by using clear colour accents. We therefore searched not just for colours that fit well into the landscape, but also for colours that express the process of converting black coal into clean energy.”
Supporting functions
“We’ve also produced a preliminary design for Nuon of the building which will house a range of functions that support the power generation process, such as offices, a reception area, a restaurant, control rooms, laboratories etc.”, continues Smits. “We’ve given the building a really modern and transparent architecture. Nuon will shortly be tendering for the consultancy activities relating to the detailed design of the building, such as the structure and the building service systems. We hope to be able to play a part in those activities too. So far it’s been really great to be involved in this challenging project.”
Contactpersoon: Joris Smits
+31(0)20 5697 711
j.smits@royalhaskoning.com
