Leipzig South Combined Heat and Power Plant
Leipzig South Combined Heat and Power Plant
Leipzig, Germany
About the Project
The Leipzig South Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant represents a significant milestone in Germany’s energy transition, setting a benchmark for low-emission energy production. Built on the site of the historic Ernst Thälmann power plant, the new facility combines advanced Siemens gas turbines with state-of-the-art burner technology, hot water generators, and catalysts, ensuring minimal nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions. With an overall efficiency exceeding 93%, the plant supplies heat and power to the city while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Design goals
Given the plant’s focus on sustainability and efficiency, the design team sought high-quality, durable ventilation solutions that could support essential airflow requirements while maintaining effective rain defence. The challenge was to ensure optimal ventilation in plant rooms while also providing a visually consistent design across the functional and screening areas of the building envelope. Additionally, the louvres needed to withstand the demands of a high-performance industrial setting while complementing the architectural vision of the facility.
Construction Specialties (CS) was engaged to provide a solution that balanced functionality whilst integrating seamlessly with the aesthetics across multiple parts of the facility.
Solution
To meet these requirements, CS supplied its RSH-5700AL Rain Defence Louvres, selected for their proven performance in maintaining airflow efficiency while providing robust protection against wind-driven rain ingress. Tested to the EN 13030, these louvres achieve Class A rain defence up to 3.0m/s while ensuring effective airflow in both intake and exhaust applications.
The louvres were required for three of the power plant’s buildings. In the Main Power Plant, finished in RAL 070 70 50 (Honeycomb Yellow), 110m2 of louvres span the West elevation. The RSH-5700 model features a recessed mullion at the joints between modules, creating a continuous line appearance on the façade.
Additionally, three areas of the rooftop plant level were fitted with the same model, even though the primary functional requirement in those areas was screening. The architect opted for the rain defence louvre to maintain a uniform aesthetic across the facility.
Rain defence louvres were also supplied for the Gas Supply Facility and the Pump House. Distributed across multiple sections, totalling approximately 135m², the louvres were polyester powder-coated in Rust (RAL 040 50 30) and Brick Brown (RAL 030 40 30) to complement the exterior envelope.
The project involved extensive collaboration between CS and the planning team to ensure optimal product selection and integration. These consultations were highly valued by the project stakeholders and played important role in achieving a well-coordinated implementation.
The final installation of CS louvres not only provided essential ventilation and rain defence but also contributed to the overall efficiency and resilience of the plant.
The facility was constructed in just over three years, opening on 23 October 2023. It now plays a key role in Leipzig’s plan to increase district heating coverage to over 50%, with future provisions to integrate hydrogen-based energy solutions.
