Veolia is transforming its Karviná heating plant to exit coal by 2029. Discover the multi-energy model designed to reduce emissions and ensure long-term price stability for the region.
Key Takeaways
- Veolia is transforming the Karviná heating plant to exit coal by 2029, serving about 50,000 households in the Czech Republic.
- The new multi-energy cogeneration model will reduce annual CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes, using refuse-derived fuel, biomass, and natural gas.
- The first phase has already cut CO2 emissions by 30%, while the second phase aims to decommission remaining coal-fired boilers and further reduce emissions.
- The project aligns with Veolia’s ‘GreenUp’ strategic programme to lead ecological transformation in district heating systems across Europe.
- Karviná serves as a model for integrating circular energy solutions and decarbonising district heating in Central and Eastern Europe.
Veolia is in the final stage of transforming its Karviná heating plant to achieve a full coal exit by 2029. The facility serves approximately 50,000 households in the Karviná and Havířov regions in Czech Republic. A successful first phase has already reduced coal consumption by nearly a quarter.
The new system, based on local and circular energy sources, is projected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes. It is also expected to ensure long-term price stability and improve air quality.
Multi-Energy Cogeneration Model
The project focuses on deploying a multi-energy cogeneration model that combines refuse-derived fuel (RDF), biomass, and natural gas. This hybrid configuration allows the plant to adapt to changing energy needs while lowering its carbon footprint.
The future plant will rely on an energy mix with 53.19 per cent RDF, which is primarily produced from locally sorted municipal waste. By converting non-recyclable waste into heat and electricity, the plant becomes a part of the local circular economy. This approach reduces methane emissions from landfills and replaces fossil fuels. Furthermore, the use of cogeneration enhances efficiency by producing both heat and electricity.
Emission Reductions and Air Quality
The first phase of the modernisation has already delivered a 30 per cent reduction in annual CO₂ emissions, which amounts to approximately 75,000 tonnes. It also achieved a 53 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. Additionally, there was a 72 per cent reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions.
Phase two, running from 2025 to 2029, will involve decommissioning the remaining four coal-fired boilers. They will be replaced with a multi-fuel boiler for solid alternative fuels and biomass, a new steam turbine, and additional gas cogeneration sources. This phase is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 200,000 tonnes compared to pre-decarbonisation levels.
A Strategic Decarbonisation Project
Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, stated that the project is part of the company’s “GreenUp” strategic programme to accelerate its coal exit across Europe. The transformation of Karviná “illustrates our ability to deliver concrete decarbonization solutions that combine environmental performance, energy resilience and affordability for communities. By eliminating coal and developing circular energy models, we are reaffirming our ambition to lead the ecological transformation of district heating systems across the continent,” she said.
The project is part of Veolia’s broader effort to achieve a full coal exit across the continent by 2030. The Karviná plant serves as a model for decarbonising district heating networks in Central and Eastern Europe. It does this by combining multi-energy flexibility, local resource use, and high-efficiency cogeneration.
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