Serbia remains without two thermal power plants: The process of final closure begins

The value is estimated at 38 million dinars. The technical documentation states that in the last few years, an increasing number of thermal power plants, especially those using solid fossil fuels, are gradually being phased out due to their negative impact on the environment, writes eKapija.

Europe's fossil fuel power plants are either being shut down or kept in cold reserve, to be activated only in the event of major disruptions in electricity supply.

In Serbia, energy facilities like TPP Kolubara and TPP Morava are approaching the end of their working life, which raises the question of their future status and use. TE Kolubara and TE Morava are faced with restrictions in accordance with the European Union Directive on large combustion plants, which sets environmental standards for reducing emissions.

According to the National Emissions Reduction Plan (NERP), units of these thermal power plants that do not meet those conditions could only operate with a limit of 20,000 operating hours in the period from 2018 to 2024.

As most blocks have reached the end of this period, and have not harmonized their emissions with environmental regulations, they are scheduled to cease operation.

Conservation and future use 

Closing these thermal power plants, as written in the documentation, requires careful planning in order to minimize negative impacts on the local economy, the environment and taxpayers. One of the key planning elements is plant conservation, which will enable the preservation of vital components of thermal power plants for future use. This process involves long-term maintenance and protection of critical parts such as boilers, turbines and cooling systems, so that the plants are ready to operate again if necessary.

At the same time, an important aspect of the closure is the definition of a possible new use of the locations where the Kolubara and Morava TPPs are located. An analysis of the potential for using these locations for other purposes is planned, including the possibility that some parts of the equipment will remain in operation as a strategic reserve of the Serbian power system.

TPP Kolubara: The oldest thermal power plant in Serbia

The thermal power plant Kolubara, located near the Veliki Crljeni surface mines, has a capacity of 271 MW and is the oldest energy facility in the system of the Electric Power Company of Serbia. With five blocks of different capacities, it was once the largest production facility in the country. However, some blocks have been out of service for a long time, and the rest are slated for conservation. The location of TPP Kolubara could have new roles, but it is important to preserve the possibility of its reactivation in the event of a crisis in electricity supply.

TPP Morava:The location in Svilajnac and its potential

The Morava thermal power plant in Svilajnac, with a 125 MW unit, is also slated for decommissioning. As in the case of TPP Kolubara, the conservation process will enable the preservation of vital components for potential future use. In addition, the possibility of using this location for various economically viable purposes that may include the local economy and the needs of the population is being considered.

The importance of conservation for the future of the energy sector

Conservation of these thermal power plants has not only technical, but also strategic and economic implications. The conservation project must ensure that TPP Kolubara and TPP Morava are ready for a potential return to operation, should the need arise. In addition, the possibility of using the sites for other purposes will be considered, which may include the economically viable use of part of the existing equipment for purposes not related to energy production.