Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Ltd (MHPS) has received an order for two sets of one of the world’s largest fluegas desulfurisation (FGD) systems for the Nikola Tesla A coal-fired power plant in Serbia.
The FGD systems will reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulates emissions to meet EU environmental standards and support Serbia’s future accession efforts. The systems are scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2021. This is the first time MHPS has received an order for FGD systems from Serbia. This also becomes the second order for coal-fired power plants in the Western Balkans region, following the order for similar systems for the Ugljevik Power Plant, which is presently under construction, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Nikola Tesla A power plant is operated by Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) and consists of six units with a total generating capacity of 1720 MW. It is located some 40 km southwest of Belgrade and is Serbia’s largest power plant. The newly ordered two sets of FGD systems whose flue gas desulfurisation capacity is 650 MW each are to be installed in units 3 through 6, which have a total output of 1300 MW.
For this project, MHPS will serve as leader of a consortium together with Itochu Corporation and MPP “JEDINSTVO” a.d. (JDS), a Serbian construction firm. The project will be financed by the Japanese Official Development Assistant (ODA) organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
MHPS, supported by its European subsidiary based in Duisburg, Germany, will be responsible for project management, design, supplying main systems and dispatching technical advisors for installation. Itochu will mainly handle commercial issues. JDS will act as local partner for construction management and civil engineering, including design, installation and local procurement.
The Nikola Tesla A power plant uses lignite coal as a fuel, which has higher levels of sulfur and lower caloric value compared with other coal types. The installation of MHPS’s FGD systems will reduce emissions of SO2 and particulates. SO2 emissions will be cut by 97%, enabling a SO2 level lower than the 200mg/Nm3, in compliance with the European Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).
MHPS’s FGD technologies for lignite-fired boilers, along with its successful track-record supplying more than 300 units, were key factors in its selection for this order.
