Modernization Status of
Fossil Fuel Combined Heat and Power Stations
in the Czech Republic
Henry Manczyk, C.P.E., C.E.M., Director of Facilities Management
Monroe County, New York
Since the end of the communist era in 1989, the countries of Central Europe have faced new obstacles regarding the area’s environmental problems. Environmental projects must compete for funding with greatly needed infrastructure improvements and social programs. Although economic hardships have led to the closing of many large facilities with a resulting drop in air pollution, production is gearing back up and the need to address the issue of air pollution continues.
The Czech Republic’s focus is on modernizing fossil fuel-burning plants. This strategy includes the six sizable power stations in the Black Triangle: Prunerow, Tusimice, Pocerady, Ledvice, Milnik and Porici. Out of a total 8,447 MW of fossil fuel burning capacity nationwide, 6,247 MW will be desulfurized— 5,710 MW by wet limestone washing, 220 MW by semi-dry washing and 497 MW by replacement of existing boilers with moderm fluidized-bed boilers. Desulfurization is already completed in facilities representing more than 4,810 MW of production. In addition, the Czech Republic is eliminating the oldest equipment in various power plants. By the end of 1998, a total of 2,020 MWe were to be shut down and most of the other measures completed. This loss in capacity will be supplanted by the 1,962 MWe Temelin Nuclear Power Station, now under construction and slated for completion in 2001-2002. Together with the existing Dukovany Nuclear Power Station, Temelin’s addition increases nuclear power’s share of the Country’s electric generation capacity to nearly 40%.
Desulphurization Program of Coal Power Plants
Czech Republic Emissions Chart
Main Sources of Emissions in the Black Triangle Region of the Czech Republic
Electrical and Thermal Capacity of Power Stations in the Black Triangle Region