Method for operating a power plant for generating energy, comprising at least one stationary internal combustion engine (1) and a district heating system (20) connected to the at least one internal combustion engine (1) in a heat exchange relationship, wherein the at least one internal combustion engine (1) is configured to deliver a mechanical power by burning a fuel, wherein on the one hand the at least one internal combustion engine (1) is cooled and on the other hand heat is supplied to the district heating system (20) through a heat exchange between the district heating system (20) and the at least one internal combustion engine (1) and wherein at least one additional cooling device (12) is provided, wherein the cooling of the at least one internal combustion engine (1) is effected—at least partially—using the at least one additional cooling device (12) when a transient performance requirement for the at least one internal combustion engine (1) occurs.