Ansaldo Energia, MVM Agree to Build Combined-Cycle Plant in Hungary

Ansaldo Energia and MVM Tisza Erőmű signed a contract to design, develop, and construct a combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant at the Tiszaújváros site in eastern Hungary. Calik Holding will execute turnkey planning, procurement, and construction while Ansaldo Energia manufactures and maintains its gas turbines under a long-term service agreement.

“The construction of the new power plant is of historic importance, as no new baseload power plant has been built in Hungary in the past one and a half decades,” said Csaba Lantos, Hungarian Minister of Energy. “It is also a crucial step for domestic energy production, as it contributes to strengthening energy independence, improving supply security, and achieving our climate goals. The new facility will balance renewable electricity production, thereby supporting the successful energy transition.”

Once commercial operation starts, the 1,000-MW CCGT power plant will use its two-block construction to generate 7,500 GWh of electricity per year for Hungary’s power grid. In addition, the Tiszaújváros site offers current electricity grid connections, a cooling water system, and local natural gas access, making the MVM facility Hungary’s largest and most efficient plant to date. Ansaldo Energia gas turbine technology is hydrogen-suitable and operates with reliability, high efficiency, and operational flexibility.

Currently decommissioned Tiszaújváros plant; image credit: MVM Group

“The Tisza CCGT project marks a new era in Eastern Hungary's energy production,” said Károly Mátrai, CEO of the MVM Group. “A modern, flexible generation capacity will be established in place of a previously decommissioned traditional power plant, capable of adapting to increased consumer demand and supporting the integration of planned weather-dependent renewables into the grid. Thanks to the favorable infrastructure and geographical conditions, the investment not only strengthens grid stability but also gives new impetus to the local economy and employment.”

This contract follows Ansaldo Energia’s most recent turbine delivery in February, in which the company agreed to provide a hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO)-fueled turbine for Ireland’s Tarbert Next-Generation Power Station, a 300-MW facility set to run entirely on sustainable biofuel. The AE94.3A turbine will be paired with a generator to deliver fossil-free power using HVO, a diesel alternative made from waste feedstocks.

The simple-cycle Tarbert Power Station will support and contribute to Ireland’s electricity supply, securing electrical power and providing critical electricity to the supply system during peak demand. Also, the plant will Ireland’s expanding renewable generation capacity. SSE Thermal’s project aligns with the European Union’s sustainability standards as Ireland moves toward cleaner energy solutions—HVO is lower carbon than traditional fossil fuels.

Ansaldo in the News

In early October 2024, Ansaldo Energia announced the commercial operation of Marbach power plant, its second project within the German TSO strategic grid reserve initiative. Marbach is a 300-MW simple-cycle thermoelectric plant equipped with Ansaldo’s AE94.3A gas turbine and generator. This equipment combination can generate electricity for over 200,000 homes, boosting Germany’s energy security.

The Marbach plant can operate in gas-shortage situations by using oil and eventually green, decarbonized liquid fuels such as HVO with NOx emissions below 50 mg/Nm³. Ansaldo’s AE94.3A gas turbine delivers high flexibility for the plant, with a ramp rate of 50 MW/min and reaching full load in 26 minutes. The company’s gas turbine fleet is capable of mix-combustion with hydrogen, with the AE94.3A turbine reaching 40% mix.