Kraftwerksbau

Kraftwerksbau is the engineering discipline and industry involved in the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of power generation facilities. It covers the development of new plants and the expansion or modernization of existing ones.

The project delivery typically follows an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model or its variants. Key stages include feasibility studies, site assessment, permitting, concept and detail design, procurement of major equipment (turbines, generators, boilers, heat exchangers, switchgear), civil and mechanical works, electrical systems and control instrumentation, grid connection, construction, commissioning, and performance verification.

Plant types and design considerations: Projects span conventional thermal plants (coal, oil, natural gas), hydroelectric facilities, nuclear power plants, and renewable-energy installations integrated with storage or backup systems. Design priorities include safety and reliability, efficiency, emissions and environmental impact, water management and cooling, seismic and structural integrity, and compliance with standards (for example IEC, regional regulations).

Industry context: Kraftwerksbau involves utilities, independent power producers, engineering contractors and equipment suppliers. Major firms provide overall project delivery, while specialized suppliers furnish turbines, generators and control systems. The sector is influenced by energy policy, market structure, financing mechanisms, and grid requirements, with ongoing evolution toward decarbonization and digitalization.