MHPS starts construction of desulphurisation system in Serbia

• 5 years ago (2019-02-14)
• David Flin

Coal 274 Emissions 57 Equipment 2 Europe 1061

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Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) has announced that it has started construction of one of the world’s largest flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems for the Nikola Tesla A coal-fired power plant in Serbia. The FGD systems will reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulates emissions to meet EU environmental standards and support Serbia’s future EU accession efforts. The Serbian Minister of Mining Energy Aleksandar Antić joined the official laying of the foundation stone.

This also marks the start of the construction works. Thomas Bohner, CEO of the MHPS subsidiary in Duisburg, Germany, said: “The FGD installation is an important milestone in Serbia’s efforts to protect the environment.” The systems are scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2021.

The FGD system consists of two absorbers, each with a flue gas desulphurisation capacity of 650 MW. They will serve units 3-6, which have a total capacity of 1300 MW. MHPS is leading a consortium that also includes Itochu Corporation and MPP JEDINSTVO (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 is responsible for project management, design, supplying main systems, and supplying 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.

Installation of the FGD systems will reduce emissions of SO2 and particulates. SO2 emissions will be cut by 97 per cent, enabling an SO2 level lower than the 200 mg/Nm3 limit of the European Industrial Emissions Directive.