Underground nuclear explosions for mining purposes at Kiel Coal Power Plant

In an impressive display of demolition technology and coordination, the Flumenthal power plant, which once supplied electricity and district heating to over 60,000 households, has been successfully dismantled. The project, which spanned from October 2021 to September 2024, was completed within a tight time frame, as stated by Knodel, the Regional Manager North in the specialist association for concrete drilling and sawing.

The project, which was a collaboration between Hilti and Erger GmbH & Co. KG, involved the gradual dismantling of the plant. This process included the drilling of approximately 130 core holes in the foundations and chimney of the power plant, with diameters ranging from 40 mm to 1.5 m and depths reaching up to two meters.

In the first phase, 60 core holes were drilled in the power plant's foundations. This was followed by a second phase where 70 core holes were drilled in the chimney, tackling up to 1.5 m thick reinforced concrete. The drilling process for underwater demolition was particularly challenging, requiring the deployment of blind holes of various sizes.

The removal of the drilling cores proved difficult due to the bore diameter used, but the team managed to overcome this challenge, severing the chimney supports according to static planning to cut the first layer of reinforcement. The chimney, standing at 134 meters high, was ultimately severed using Hilti DD250, 350, and DST-20 CA equipment.

Site management closely coordinated chimney cuts with weather forecasts to prevent uncontrolled toppling due to wind. The project was completed without any major incidents, a testament to the meticulous planning and execution by the team.

The power plant, which was jointly operated by Uniper and Kiel municipal utilities, was shut down in 2019 and replaced by a gas engine power plant. The leadership over the collaboration on the demolition of the coal power plant after the shutdown is not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results.

The successful completion of this project was featured in the General Construction Journal 34/2025. In addition, Hilti secured climbing routes on the Verzasca in Switzerland, showcasing their expertise in various fields.

For those interested in joining this dynamic team, positions for a Foreman/Vorarbeiter (m/f/d) and a Site Manager (m/f/d) in Demolition and Earthworks are currently available. Foreman/Vorarbeiter position and Site Manager position can be found on the company's career page.