Power to heat system

The power to heat system in Niedergösgen uses two electrode boilers, each with an output of 11 MW, to generate process steam. The system went into operation in mid-April 2017. It allows Alpiq to offer negative balancing energy for the ancillary service market. The grid operator can use the system at short notice to utilise 22 MW of capacity. The system primarily serves to ensure grid stability. The steam produced is used in Model AG’s paper mill. Although the paper mill obtains the steam mainly from the Gösgen nuclear power plant (KKG), the amount of steam obtained from the KKG is reduced when the power to heat system is in operation.