ABB automation technology to modernise and future-proof ENGIE power plant

The project will help future-proof the plant and support long-term decarbonisation efforts.ENGIE selected ABB for its strong local presence, migration strategy, and operational flexibility.  

The proposed migration plan aims to minimise downtime, enabling seamless operations. ABB’s ability to adapt the replacement of the automation systems to ENGIE’s outage windows reflects a strong focus on performance and availability, contributing to the success of this critical modernisation project. The upgrade, which includes turbine control modernisation and strengthening cybersecurity, helps ENGIE build a more cyber-secure and resilient plant. It also lays the groundwork for future co-firing with green hydrogen and ensures reliable operations throughout the facility’s lifecycle. 

The Maxima plant, located in Lelystad, approximately 70km northeast of Amsterdam, is ENGIE’s first gas-fired combined cycle gas turbine plant using GT26 high-efficiency turbine technology and makes a significant contribution to Dutch and European energy supplies. ABB will modernise both the existing Advant and Alspa distributed control systems (DCS), used for the power train and plant respectively, to ABB Ability System 800xA. This will ensure that the plant is fully prepared and equipped to support energy security and meet rising energy demands. 

As part of the transformation program, ABB will also upgrade the full scope simulator of the Maxima facility, which is used for optimisation, testing and operator training. The simulator allows operators to practice in a safe environment with the same look and feel as the live control system, reducing risks and unplanned shutdowns while improving safety, productivity, and energy efficiency. This capability not only enhances day-to-day reliability but also supports long-term operational excellence. Other parts of the project include replacing the automation system of the demineralised water installation, as well as delivering ABB Ability Field Information Manager, an Extended Operator Workplace, OT security measures, and safety systems. 

The modernisation project supports the plant’s evolution into dispatchable, low-carbon power generation that can complement solar and wind power, along with ENGIE’s broader commitment to clean energy, regulatory compliance and operational flexibility. It builds on previous upgrades that have increased the plant’s gas turbine’s combined cycle efficiency to above 60%.

“It’s essential that our existing assets evolve to remain reliable and future-facing in the evolving energy landscape,” said Marco Siebelink, manager operations and maintenance at ENGIE Maxima Power Plant. "By harnessing the automation technology and expertise of ABB, we are making an important step towards ensuring our infrastructure can support flexible, low-carbon generation while providing secure supply."

The modernisation of the Maxima power plant contributes to ENGIE’s ambition to co-fire within the future, aligning with Dutch government policy to support green hydrogen. 

"The power industry is being asked to meet today’s energy demands while preparing the energy ecosystem of the future," said Per Erik Holsten, president of ABB’s Energy Industries division. "Our role is to deliver automation technologies and solutions that make that dual challenge achievable, helping customers modernise to meet long-term ambitions without compromising on reliability of output now." 

The contract scope also includes a three-year service contract to ensure ongoing support and maintenance. Project execution, which will take place in 2027, also requires close collaboration with the original manufacturer of the plant’s gas turbines to ensure the modernisation of the turbine control systems to deliver continued performance.  

www.abb.com