ENERGO: Czech coal company Sokolovska Uhelna to make its largest investment to reduce NOx emissions

Czech coal company Sokolovska Uhelna has decided to invest CZK300mn in the modernisation of the steam power plant in Vresova in 2023 which will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and make the operation more efficient, the company announced in its press release. 

As the company pointed out, this is the company's largest investment in the last five years, as part of the gradual preparation of Sokolovska Uhelna and its sister company SUAS GROUP for the period after the end of lignite mining and processing. 

"Today's energy sector is on the threshold of rapid change. SUAS GROUP has the ambition to continue to be the energy leader in the region with a national reach after the diversion of coal mining from its sister company Sokolovska Uhelna,” said David Najvar, vice-chairman of the board of directors of SUAS GROUP responsible for the Clean energy line.

“Long-term investments in technological equipment and setting new trends, including this key modernisation of the gas system of the power plant in Vresova, are part of our success," Najvar noted. 

"We are proud to contribute to Sokolovska Uhelna's efforts to improve energy production and convert it to a low-carbon operation. GE's DLN1.0+ equipment with ultra-low NOx upgrade technology can play a significant role in improving the efficiency and environmental friendliness of our power fleet,” said Kresimir Kovacic, GE Gas Power's chief commercial officer.

“The successful upgrade of the turbines at Vresova will expand the choice of fuel sources, plus the upgrade will reduce maintenance costs, increase operational flexibility and extend the life of the associated equipment," Kovacic added.