Bogatell Cold Generation Plant: Innovation in Energy Efficiency
- Client: Districlima
- Location: Poblenou neighborhood, Barcelona
- Year: 2023-2026 (first phase)
- UTE: ENGIE, TERSA, IDAE
- First phase investment: 44.4 million euros
SOCOTEC leads the technical supervision of a pioneering civil works in Barcelona
The Bogatell Cold Generation Power Plant is a revolutionary project located in the Poblenou neighbourhood of Barcelona.
This innovative facility is designed to take advantage of seawater in the production of high-efficiency cold, marking a milestone in the city's energy transition. The project, which is part of Districlima's urban heat and cold distribution network, represents a significant step towards decarbonization and energy efficiency in urban environments.
The plant will increase the number of buildings connected to this sustainable technology by 33%, expanding Barcelona's air-conditioned area from the current 1,700,000 m² to 2,496,494 m² by the end of the first two phases in 2032. This is equivalent to heating the 250-block area of the Eixample, demonstrating the positive impact it will have on the city.
Main services of SOCOTEC
In this ambitious project, SOCOTEC has played a crucial role in providing engineering services and technical supervision in various areas:
- Comprehensive geotechnical studies
- Risk Analysis and Excavation Plan
- Supervision of the civil works of the central building
- Quality control in microtunnel construction
- Environmental monitoring and thermal dispersion studies
- Characterization of dredged materials
- Studies of maritime climate and coastal dynamics
These services have been essential to guarantee the viability, safety and sustainability of the project in all its phases.
DISTRICLIMA BARCELONA
An underground project and construction challenge
One of the most challenging aspects of the project has been the construction of the underground central building. With an area of 2,780 m² and a perimeter of 240 m, this structure required the excavation of 30,414 m³ of material and the implementation of advanced civil engineering techniques:
- Perimeter screens 20 to 24 m deep (0.8 x 3.6 m and 0.6 x 3.6 m)
- Two-level anchoring system with 277 units and 7,625 m total length
- Underpressure slab on 24/18 m long screen modules
- Prefabricated interior structure, slabs and roof
- Total screen volume: 5,203 m³ (80 cm) and 1,606 m³ (60 cm)
- 1,768,500 kg of steel used
One of the most challenging aspects of the project has been the construction of the underground central building. With an area of 2,780 m² and a perimeter of 240 m, this structure required the excavation of 30,414 m³ of material and the implementation of advanced civil engineering techniques:
- Perimeter screens 20 to 24 m deep (0.8 x 3.6 m and 0.6 x 3.6 m)
- Two-level anchoring system with 277 units and 7,625 m total length
- Underpressure slab on 24/18 m long screen modules
- Prefabricated interior structure, slabs and roof
- Total screen volume: 5,203 m³ (80 cm) and 1,606 m³ (60 cm)
- 1,768,500 kg of steel used
Innovation in seawater harvesting
The Bogatell Cold Generation Power Plant incorporates a highly innovative seawater harvesting system, which represents a milestone in coastal infrastructure engineering. The project includes a microtunnel of approximately 659 meters in length, with an outer diameter of 2.2 meters and an inner diameter of 1.8 meters. This impressive engineering work is divided into a 240-meter land section and a 419-meter underwater section, traversing complex geological and environmental conditions.
The execution of the microtunnel is carried out by means of a HERRENKECHT 1800 TB closed shield microtunnel boring machine, equipped with 7 thrust stations, hyperbaric chamber modules and a marine rescue module. This cutting-edge technology allows for precise and safe excavation, minimizing the environmental impact on the marine ecosystem. The design of the layout, which includes curves in both plan and elevation, demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the system to the geographical challenges of Barcelona's coastal environment.
SOCOTEC's expertise in energy projects
SOCOTEC is a leader in the execution of projects, construction management and commissioning of power generation plants. His experience at the Bogatell Power Plant demonstrates his ability to address complex challenges in the sector. SOCOTEC's multidisciplinary team performs a wide range of critical studies, including geotechnical, risk analysis, excavation plans, hydrogeological, geophysical, marine climate and thermal dispersion studies.
This comprehensive experience allows us to offer innovative and sustainable solutions, guaranteeing technical feasibility, operational efficiency and environmental compliance in renewable energy projects, thermal power plants and urban air conditioning. SOCOTEC brings in-depth knowledge and holistic insight into all phases of the project, from conception to commissioning.