All construction work on the flue gas desulfurization system at the Nikola Tesla B (TENT B) power plant near Obrenovac has been completed, and individual components of the system are now being tested, according to the Ministry of Mining and Energy. The first trial, which involved releasing flue gases and lime slurry through the absorber at unit B1, was successfully carried out. A similar procedure is scheduled for absorber B2 in mid-August.
The desulfurization system uses a wet limestone method, where the lime slurry is sprayed and brought into contact with flue gases to absorb sulfur dioxide (SO2). The result of this reaction is the formation of gypsum.
More Than 400 Million Euros Invested in Desulfurization Plants at TENT A and TENT B
Milan Aleksić, advisor to the Minister of Mining and Energy, stated after visiting the site that more than 400 million euros have been invested in the construction of desulfurization plants at TENT A and TENT B. He emphasized that the TENT B desulfurization system is one of the largest environmental investments by the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS). “Last year, a similar system was built at TENT A, and it’s important to note that both plants will contribute to better environmental protection as well as the health of residents in Obrenovac and the surrounding area,” Aleksić said.
Thanks to these systems, both power plants, which continue to be the backbone of electricity production in Serbia, will be able to operate for a longer period, he added.
Aleksić concluded that the Ministry will continue to support EPS in planning and securing funds for environmental projects, with a particular focus on the implementation of environmental protection measures at thermal power plants.
Fly Ash from TENT B to be Used for Cement Production.
Dušan Živković, General Director of EPS, highlighted that thanks to the desulfurization systems being installed on three units at the Kostolac B power plant, four units at TENT A, and the installation of the system at both units at TENT B, all major thermal power plants within EPS will be fully compliant with European and domestic environmental standards.
“The hot trial, which involved releasing flue gases and lime slurry through the absorber at B1, was successfully completed, marking an important step in the technological process. The white smoke from the chimney is proof that the process is functioning, and we are now in the fine-tuning phase of the parameters. We expect the desulfurization system at TENT B to begin trial operations by mid-December,” Živković said.
Lafarge Plans Cement Factory and Quarry in Obrenovac.
Another significant project is underway in Obrenovac. Lafarge BFC Serbia is planning to build a cement plant that will use fly ash from TENT B’s ash disposal site as raw material for construction materials production. The first phase of this project is an investment worth 110 million euros, and the Serbian government has approved the development of a spatial plan for the technological complex.
The project includes the construction of the factory in the Ratari area of Obrenovac municipality, as well as a quarry in the Jazovnik–Svileuva area, spanning the municipalities of Vladimirci and Koceljeva. The plan also includes a logistical connection with TENT B. This project aims to resolve the issue of disposing of electrostatic precipitator ash and opens the possibility for its reuse in industry, contributing to the sustainability of the energy sector.
Source: Balkan Green Energy News