Energy Transition of Power Utility JP Elektroprivreda BiH Through Upgrading and Retrofit of the Generation Portfolio Supported by Horizon 2020 Projects

Abstract

Today, many power utilities are found at crossroads, facing challenges of decarbonisation and the imperative of competitiveness on the market, often considered as contradictory requirements for their further development. In this regard, a particular challenge is placed in front of utilities which generation portfolio is based on conventional resources, dominantly coal for electricity and thermal energy production. On a concrete example of the generation portfolio development of Power Utility Elektroprivreda of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sarajevo (EPBiH), in this work so far realised actions within the transitional process and its further continuation are presented. Effects of improvements of the existing thermal power plants (TPPs), i.e. TPP Tuzla and TPP Kakanj through the reconstruction/modernization process, as well as further planned measures for increasing energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions and reducing pollutant emissions are shown. Particular attention is given to the possibilities of extending the cogenerative production of EPBiH’s TPPs, as well as the upgrading process of existing and construction of new district heating systems, thus including the integration of renewable energy sources. Further, the paper focuses on the application of biomass technologies in TPPs, through full and partial conversion to biomass (co-firing technology), shown on examples of EPBiH’s opt-out thermal units. The proposed measures are also processed as illustrative examples within three Horizon 2020 projects, namely CoolHeating, Upgrade DH and BioFit, funded by the European Commission and in which EPBiH participates with its European partners. Transfer of knowledge and technology, mastering the know-how and implementing the proposed measures is a significant contribution and stimulation of the ongoing transition process in EPBiH’s power system in a responsible and sustainable way and can serve as a demonstration example to other power utilities/countries facing similar challenges.