EthosEnergy Partners with EP Produzione to Retrofit Trapani Thermoelectric Power Plant

EP Produzione awarded EthosEnergy a multi-million-euro contract to retrofit its Trapani Thermoelectric Power Plant (TTPP) in northern Sicily. As the project unfolds, EthosEnergy will focus on integrity improvements for Unit 1 such as the replacement of exhaust systems and other auxiliary equipment.

“With over 40 years of engineering experience behind us, we thrive on applying our expertise to projects that support our customer’s missions,” said Graeme Donald, EthosEnergy’s East Hemisphere Vice President of Commercial.“The opportunity to enhance this plant was something that excited us from the early moments of our discussions. It’s a testament to the technical ingenuity, hard work, commercial flexibility and dedication of our team that EP Produzione chose EthosEnergy for this modernization project.”

Over 10 years ago, the plant received a major overhaul: the original OEM partially converted two Frame 9B gas turbines into Frame 9E units. Wear and tear have accumulated on the exhaust system and other components due to harsh operating conditions since then, and now upgrades and modifications must be installed.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with a player in the Italian and European power generation industry, including the wider EPH Group,” said Donald. “This project cements our reputation as a flexible, responsive, and punctual independent service provider and is further recognition of our engineering and ability to deliver tailored solutions in situations where lead times are critical.”

About the Plant

TTPP—formerly a dual fuel-fired power plant with natural gas and diesel oil—is now a 213-MW facility equipped with two open-cycle gas turbines, delivering emergency power supply and additional services for Sicily’s electricity grid. Italy’s Grid Authority recently supported the plant’s “Must Run” status and approved the first phase of its asset integrity project, primarily due to its strategic location. The plant is operated by EP Produzione and features a customized configuration specific to the site.

Trapani Power Station; image credit: EP Produzione

“The TTPP plays a role in securing the provision of energy in western Sicily,” said Alberto Barbieri, Project Development Manager at EP Produzione.“So, for such a time-sensitive project, we are delighted to have brought on board the engineering support that EthosEnergy provides. From the word go, we were supported by EthosEnergy team, trying to match our needs. These attributes reflect our own team’s skills, passion, and commitment to ensuring our plants operate at the highest safety, environmental, and reliability standards.”

EthosEnergy News

In late September 2024, EDF granted an exclusive, three-year master service agreement (MSA) to EthosEnergy—it covers the maintenance of 20 heavy-duty gas turbines across France and its overseas territories. EthosEnergy’s local team will service the MSA, enabling communication and close collaboration between the partners. The MSA also includes an option for a three-year extension, with EthosEnergy repairing capital parts, supplying spare parts, and delivering turnkey on-site services for EDF’s heavy-duty gas turbine fleet. The agreement is designed to unlock value through increased efficiencies.

And, in late August, One Equity Partners agreed to acquire EthosEnergy for an undisclosed price. The company was established in 2014 as a joint venture between John Wood Group and Siemens Energy AG, each contributing their non-OEM rotating equipment business lines and intellectual property.

Turbo Tour

Earlier this year, Turbomachinery International visited EthosEnergy’s light turbines workshop and Performance Center in Houston, TX. Daniel Tegtmeier, Director of the Performance Center offered insight into remote monitoring, and Philip Booth, Engineering Manager, spoke about reverse engineering and aftermarket, repairs, and overhaul services.