Serbia starts trial run of desulphurisation plant at key coal power station

Serbia’s state power utility EPS said on April 6 it has begun trial operations of a flue gas desulphurisation unit at its Nikola Tesla B (TENT B) coal-fired power plant, part of efforts to curb emissions and align with European environmental standards.

The project, valued at around €250mn, is one of the largest environmental investments in the country’s energy sector and was completed with support from Japanese partners, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

EPS said sulphur dioxide emissions at the Obrenovac-based plant are expected to fall by up to 30 times following the installation of the new system, while particulate emissions will remain within prescribed limits.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Dedovic Handanovic said the project would significantly improve air quality in Belgrade and surrounding areas.

“Now our largest thermal capacities meet not only domestic but also European environmental standards,” she said, Tanjug reported, adding that more than €420mn has been invested in desulphurisation systems at TENT A and TENT B combined.

The facility uses wet limestone technology to remove sulphur from flue gases, producing gypsum as a by-product. EPS expects annual gypsum output of around 200,000 tonnes, which it said would support circular economy efforts.

EPS chief executive Dusan Zivkovic said the plant had already produced about 20,000 tonnes of gypsum during initial trial operations, which began in December.

Serbia, which relies heavily on coal for power generation, has been under increasing pressure to cut emissions and modernise its ageing energy infrastructure. Projects such as the TENT B upgrade are seen as key to extending the lifespan and efficiency of existing plants while reducing their environmental impact.

EPS is also expanding its renewable energy portfolio, targeting 45% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to diversify supply and attract investment.