The Serbian state-owned power utility, EPS, has commenced trial operations of a new flue gas desulfurization system at the Nikola Tesla B (TENT B) thermal power plant located in Obrenovac. This initiative represents a pivotal advancement in the environmental modernization efforts at Serbia’s largest coal-fired power generation facility.
This project is among the most significant environmental investments within the regional electricity sector, aimed at markedly reducing emissions from a primary source of electricity generation in Serbia. Officials have indicated that the completion of this system will ensure compliance not only with national regulations but also with stringent European environmental standards.
According to Dubravka Đedović, Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy, the implementation of this system is projected to decrease sulfur dioxide emissions at TENT B by up to 30 times once fully operational. Additionally, she highlighted that particulate emissions are currently maintained below mandated limits. The total investment in desulfurization systems for both TENT A and TENT B has exceeded 420 million euros, with anticipated environmental improvements extending from Obrenovac to Belgrade and its surrounding regions.
The specific investment for the desulfurization facility at TENT B is approximately 250 million euros. EPS Director Dušan Živković noted that this project was developed in collaboration with both Japanese and domestic partners, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which executed the construction. The technology employed utilizes a wet limestone process for effective removal of sulfur compounds from exhaust gases.
An additional advantage of this process is the generation of gypsum as a by-product. EPS has reported that the gypsum produced on-site meets European quality standards, with annual production expected to reach around 200,000 tons. This development aligns with circular economy principles and aims to mitigate industrial waste.
Beyond its environmental implications, EPS asserts that this investment enhances the long-term operational reliability of one of Serbia’s essential electricity supply pillars, contributing to improved efficiency and prolonging the operational lifespan of the plant.
