KMW applies to build 54 MW gas engine power plant

KMW has applied for permits to construct and operate a 54 MW gas engine power plant on the Ingelheimer Aue.

• Main announcement: KMW submitted an application in October 2025 to the Struktur- und Genehmigungsdirektion Süd for the construction and operation of a motor engine power plant on the Ingelheimer Aue; public participation in the permitting process began on 9 February 2026, an application for early construction start was filed on 16 January 2026, and commissioning is planned for end of 2027. The plant is specified at ~54 MW electrical from 12 Jenbacher gas engines (~4.5 MW each), is H2-ready and designed to be district-heat (Fernwärme)-ready.
• Background and implementation details: KMW signed the construction contract with INNIO Group last year; the plant features modular operation, black-start/fast-start capability to secure the on-site Green Rocks data center, modern exhaust aftertreatment, closed rooftop cooling systems, and central control via the existing control room. The larger hydrogen-capable ‘Zukunftskraftwerk (ZKW)’ project is currently paused pending federal political decisions and further internal strategy and committee coordination.