VGB: 90 Years for Secure and Reliable Electricity Generation
When 90 years ago in the late autumn of 1920 representatives of the electricity and chemical industry laid the foundation for VGB, the focus was mainly on aspects of safe steam boiler operation. The solution of related problems resulted in VGB´s important guideline which is still representing the core of modern «VGB PowerTech» as international technical association in the field of electricity and heat generation:
«Jointly committed to safety, optimum availability, high economic efficiency and optimum environmental compatibility!»
VGB accompanied the extension of electricity supply − foremost generation with its technical expertise and supported practical technical development. In the early days the association was dealing with steam power plants with a capacity of 50 megawatts (MW) per turbo set. Today, the capacity ranges from a few kilowatts (kW) to 1,600 MW generated by a mix of renewable energy sources, fossil fuels and nuclear energy that all together secure our electricity supply.
Tomorrow's electricity supply system is faced with the extended integration of renewables into the supply grid, the development and construction of climate-friendly fossil-fired power plants comprising the complete chain of CCS technology and the application and further development of reliable and environmentally-compatible nuclear power plants. In this context one issue is becoming more obvious and underlines the comprehensive meaning of electricity supply:
«Electricity is decisive in solving important future problems of the entire energy supply system.«
With the intelligent use of efficient application technologies − no matter whether for home use, the transport sector or industry − electricity can reduce the total energy consumption thus making an important contribution to climate protection. Only environmentally-friendly and reliable but also affordable electricity will make our energy world sustainable. In this respect, technology, one of the main topics VGB is devoted to, will not only be the forerunner but also the key itself.