EPS "Nikola Tesla B" thermal power plant has laid the cornerstone for the construction of a flue gas desulphurization plant that will contribute to the protection of the environment and reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by about 20 times.
- The beginning of this project is important for a healthier environment, but the vision is even more important if we want big changes. Energy security is just as important as environmental security, and if we do not have investments in reducing harmful emissions, it also means that thermal power plants cannot continue to operate. All this had to be solved much earlier, but it is important that we started. All projects in EPS will be realized much faster - said Zorana Mihajlović, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Serbia and Minister of Mining and Energy.
Milorad Grčić, Acting Director of "Electric Power Industry of Serbia", pointed out that the plant in TPPNT B, the second in Obrenovac and the third in Serbia that EPS is building, will reduce the level of air pollution, but also improve energy stability in the country.
- The value of the construction of the plant in TPPNT B is EUR 210 million, and we are proud that about EUR 120 million will be realized through the work of domestic companies. This is very important for the growth of the domestic economy, because EPS directly affects the growth of GDP, three percent annually and other three percent indirectly through construction and other branches. Such projects guarantee the future of thermal power plants in Serbia and energy stability - said Grčić.
Thermal power plants TPPNT A and TPPNT B in Obrenovac produce more than 50 percent of electricity in Serbia.
- The desulphurization project here in TPPNT B will reduce the level of sulfur dioxide emissions from the current 80,000 tons per year, to 4,500 tons, which is about 20 times less - said Grčić.
The Minister of Environmental Protection, Irena Vujović, reminded that the construction of the same plant on TPPNT A started last year and emphasized that these two systems will significantly affect the higher level of environmental protection.
- This project reduces sulfur dioxide emissions to a minimum. We are adapting regulations with the EU on our path to European integration, and such facilities contribute to faster action and harmonization with the EU. Our imperative is the protection of the environment and better air quality, all for the reason of the good health of the citizens of Serbia - said Vujović
