Demolition of the Ensdorf power plant: A chapter of energy history ends!

Demolition of the Ensdorf power plant: A chapter of energy history ends!

On the site of the former Kraftwerks Ensdorf In Saarland, the extensive dismantling has started. Workers crush concrete and steel, while Schneidbrenner are used to prepare the installed parts for the removal. The aim of these measures is to recycling the materials, especially since steel is currently expensive. In just a few weeks, the last rest of the once so important power plant will have disappeared.

The ENSDORF power plant, which was put into operation in 1961 and had an installed output of 430 MW, used to be an important source of energy for steel production in the region. In the last December months, the impressive covers of the two blocks, each are 30 meters high, were still on the site. These blocks produced a total of approximately 2,1 billion kWh of electricity per year by burning hard coal and replacement fuels such as animal flour and sewage sludge.

The change in energy production

The rapid deinstrustrialization in Saarland has won over since 2012 when the mining was discontinued in the region. This development meant that electricity production from coal was finally discontinued in 2017. In December 2017, the decommissioning of the power plant was officially announced, a change process that shapes the entire region sustainably.

The dismantling of the power plant began on February 1, 2023 with conventional procedures. The blasting of Kühlturm, two fireplaces and a filter system that took place on June 30, 2024 was particularly remarkable. In this explosive campaign, over 2,000 explosives were used, which ensured a spectacular destruction of the structure. During the explosion, surrounding lines and streets were closed to ensure the safety of the residents.

Planning for the future

The owner VSE AG plans to convert the area and develop an industrial park called "Energy and Resource Center Ensdorf (Erz)". These plans are already taking shapes, because in 2023 companies such as Wolfspeed and ZF Friedrichshafen have expressed interest in a semiconductor work at the location. The creation of new jobs and the settlement of innovative technologies could offer the region new perspectives.

The historical departure from coal use symbolizes the change towards more sustainable energy sources. The struggle for the preservation of a new coal block block that was considered in 2006 by RWE Power AG ended with a strong citizens' initiative that was founded in 2007 against the new building. At that time, a citizens' survey resulted in 70.03% rejection against the planned power plant construction, which ultimately led to the Ensdorf local council rejected the change in the land use plan.

The development around the ENSDORF power plant impressively shows how profound changes in energy policy can also influence the industrial structure of a region. While the last phase of disassembly is due, the question remains how the companies mentioned will manifest themselves in the location in the coming years.