3 November 2009 - GDF Suez subsidiary Electrabel and Ackermans & van Haaren will convert the Rodenhuize 4 coal fired unit, near the northern Belgian city of Ghent, into a 100 per cent biomass fired unit with a capacity of 180 MW.
Rodenhuize was originally built as a coal fired power station, but a number of modifications were made to one of the units in 2005 and 2008 to permit the production of electricity based on coal and biomass.
The Max Green Project, due to start in 2010, represents the last step in conversion of the unit, with coal being fully replaced by biomass, wood pellets originating from producers who apply sustainable forestry.
The Rodenhuize 4 unit will have a capacity of 180 MW. The conversion involves an investment of EUR125m ($185m) and will produce enough power to supply 320 000 households.
For the purpose of the project, Electrabel and Ackermans & van Haaren have set up a joint venture under the name of Max Green, in which Electrabel and Ackermans & van Haaren control 73 per cent and 27 per cent. The aim is to examine other projects in renewable energy in the future.