Thermal Power Plants

“Conventional methods” of power generation are based on solid fossil fuels like coal (hard coal, lignite), liquid fuels like oil, or fuel gases like natural gas.

Process of Power Generation – Conventional Methods

Thermal power plants are comprised of the following main components which constitute the scope of Environmental Management Systems: 

  • Open-air yard for lignite storage (in lignite-fired plants)
  • Lignite pre-crushing unit (in lignite-fired plants)
  • Evaporation boilers with steam turbine and corresponding generator
  • Condenser receiving steam from the steam turbine
  • Cooling tower
  • All necessary electro-mechanical equipment and circuits of water-steam, combustion air and flue gases
  • Lubricating systems
  • Step-up Transformers
  • Connecting facilities between transformers and the sub-station where transmission lines start from
  • Plant control and operation Systems
  • Chimneys
  • Collection and disposal systems for flying ash and wet ash (in lignite-fired plants);
  • Ash transportation systems (conveyor belts) to the depot (in lignite-fired plants
  • Water demineralization and softening units and condensate refining system
  • Water storage tanks (demineralized, polished, drinking water)
  • Oil tanks and all the necessary equipment for transporting oil to boilers
  • Wastewater Treatment Complex, collection network and treatment facilities
  • Industrial Wastewater Treatment Complex that receives all liquid waste from the Plant (networks, treatment facilities);
  • Various auxiliary facilities such as: Machine Shop, Electrical Workshop, staff servicing facilities, etc.
  • Active fire-protection system.

 

The Environmental Management Systems in Thermal Power Plants apply procedures for:

  • Management of solid waste, hazardous materials and waste, used water and effluents
  • Control of air emissions and monitoring of greenhouse gases
  • Planning and carrying out maintenance work, handling failures and upgrading/modernizing Units and Anti-Pollution Equipment
  • Periodic checks of other equipment to avoid accidents and risky situations for the environment
  • Noise control
  • Prevention of and response to contingencies.