Method for starting up and loading a combined power plant

When loading a power station in a grid without any energy, this power station must be able to cover all the short-term power requirements, and at the same time to keep the grid frequency within a permissible tolerance band. The invention specifies a method of providing this capability by means of an efficient combination system. According to the invention, the gas turbine ( 1 ) is loaded in a lower power range such that it is controlled in accordance with a predetermined load program, without having to react to load transients in the grid ( 50 ). Before the power station is connected to the grid, the heat recovery steam generator ( 5 ) is heated up as an energy store, and a steam turbine ( 2 ) is raised at least to its rated rotation speed, with the steam control valves ( 9, 15 ) being highly restricted. The steam turbine reacts in the event of short-term load requirements from the grid, which cannot be covered by the gas turbine.