Monitoring of the state of environment
Before start of its official operation in 2012, TE-TO AD obtained A-integrated environmental permit according to the Law on environment. In 2020, the Ministry of Environment issued the renewed A-integrated environmental permit for TE-TO AD. In its operation, combined cycle power plant TE-TO AD meets the strict requirements of the A-integrated environmental permit.
Air emissions
Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) TE-TO AD has average annual electrical generation capacity of about 220MW and heat capacity of 160 MW, and uses only natural gas as a fuel. Implemented energy efficiency measures in its design rank it within the highest efficient plants globally, and proper maintenance, management and implementation of measures contribute to additional efficiency improvement, which in co-generation mode of operation reaches 80%. TE-TO AD supports the global efforts and initiatives for generation of clean energy in modern, highly efficient power plants, vs energy generation in outdated, inefficient and environmentally unacceptable coal power plants.
The need for operational flexibility and the challenge of complying even with the strictest EU emission regulations are at the top of TE-TO AD Skopje agenda. Our continual commitment for investment in technology culminated with replacement of the standard EnVironmental (EV) burners with the new EV-Alpha burners during the gas turbine C-inspection in May 2021.
Built on the proven features of GE’s standard EnVironmental (EV) burner, the EV-Alpha burner implements the latest state-of-the-art combustion technology, ensuring NOx reduction by 35-40% compared to the standard EV burner. CO concentrations are additionally reduced too, far below the emission limit values of A-integrated environmental permit. Emission results are proven with parallel measurements by international accredited laboratory at different loads during commissioning of C-inspection, before official start of operation of the installation. CO2 emissions are significantly lower compared to the ones from conventional coal-fired power plants. Using natural gas as an only fuel contributes towards elimination of sulfur oxides, dust and PM10. In addition, combustion reliability is enhanced due to improved pulsation behavior.
TE-TO AD is one of the few industrial capacities in the country which have installed Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS), which continuously measures and records air emissions during 24 hours. Accredited laboratory performs control measurements once per year, in line with the requirements of the A-integrated environmental permit. Emission limit values of all pollutants are below the limit values of the A-integrated environmental permit. Reports to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning are submitted monthly, quarterly and annually.
Wastewater treatment
All wastewater from the technological processes are treated in the wastewater treatment plant, and their quality is monitored in the internal laboratory. All wastewater monitored parameters are below the emission limit values as per A-integrated environmental permit. Accredited laboratory performs control measurements once per year in line with the requirements of the A-integrated environmental permit. Reports to the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning are submitted in accordance to the frequency requested in the A-integrated environmental permit. Process optimization contributes towards increased environmental awareness through reduced use of chemicals in the technological process. Cooling concept with air-water cooling tower (hybrid type) is utilized instead of conventional wet cooling tower. The use of this cooling tower is environmentally favorable due to the minimized cooling water consumption and the elimination of the plume associated with the evaporation of the cooling water from the wet cooling towers.
Waste management
Waste management within installation is in line with the related legal legislation for waste management. Avoidance of generating waste, reducing, reuse and recycling of waste are the key principles on which waste management in TE-TO AD is based. Automatized working process and high plant efficiency, along with the personnel which is trained on waste identification, selection and storage, contribute towards generating small waste quantities, especially compared to conventional coal-fired power plants. Beside relatively low waste quantities generated on annual level, TE-TO AD, as a socially responsible company, has licensed manager for waste management.
Noise
Noise generated by the production activity of TE-TO AD is monitored in accordance with the A-integrated environmental permit requirements. Mitigation measures for reducing start-up plant noise are implemented, and additional measures are identified, which implementation will reduce noise impact on environment to minimum. Noise measurements by outsourcing accredited laboratory are carried out once a year, in line with the A-integrated environmental permit requirements. Noise levels at all monitored locations are within the limit values as per A-integrated environmental permit.