1. Title of project: City of Decin: Fuel-Switching for District Heating
2. Host country: Czech Republic
3. Brief project description:
The City of Decin: Fuel-Switching for District Heating Project involves fuel-switching, cogeneration, and
efficiency improvements at the Bynov District Heating Plant, located in Decin in the Czech Republic. The
project has converted the plant from a coal (lignite) burning facility to a natural gas-fired plant, which
provides both heat and potable hot water to local apartment blocks. A cogeneration facility for the
production of steam and electricity has also been built, and improvements have been made to the
distribution network to enhance the system's energy efficiency. On-site greenhouse gas (GHG) emission
reductions occur as a result of the fuel switch from lignite to natural gas and energy efficiency
improvements. Off-site GHG emission reductions occur because the new Bynov plant is a cogeneration facility
with the ability to produce both electricity and heat, and thus, reduces electricity consumption from the
national utility (CEZ) grid.
4. Participants:
Name of Organization or Individual
Country
The City of Decin
Czech Republic
The Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP)
U.S.A.
Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO)
U.S.A.
Commonwealth Edison Company
U.S.A.
NIPSCO Development Company Inc.
U.S.A.
Item
Organization
Name of organization (original language)
or
Name of individual if unaffiliated with any organization
The City of Decin
Name of organization (English)
The City of Decin
Acronym (original language)
None
Acronym (English)
None
Department
Function(s) within the AIJ project activities
Project development, project administration
Street
Mestsky urad, Mirove nam
City
405 38 Decin
State
Post code
Country
Czech Republic
Telephone
Fax
E-mail
World Wide Web-URL address
Administrative Officer Responsible for the Project
Surname
Kunc
First name, middle name
Milan
Job title
Mayor
Direct telephone
420-412-27660
Direct fax
420-412-24005
Direct e-mail
Contact Person for AIJ Activities (if different from the Administrative Officer)
Surname
First name, middle name
Job title
Direct telephone
Direct fax
Direct e-mail
Item
Organization
Name of organization (original language)
or
Name of individual if unaffiliated with any organization
Name of individual if unaffiliated with any organization
Wisconsin Electric Power Company
Name of organization (English)
(Same as above)
Acronym (original language)
WEPCO
Acronym (English)
(Same as above)
Department
Function(s) within the AIJ project activities
Financing
Street
231 West Michigan Street
City
Milwaukee
State
Wisconsin
Post code
53203
Country
U.S.A.
Telephone
Fax
E-mail
World Wide Web-URL address
Administrative Officer Responsible for the Project
Surname
Abdoo
First name, middle name
Richard
Job title
CEO
Direct telephone
414-221-2118
Direct fax
414-221-2172
Direct e-mail
Contact Person for AIJ Activities (if different from the Administrative Officer)
Surname
Schumacher
First name, middle name
Paul
Job title
Environmental Process Manager
Direct telephone
414-221-2449
Direct fax
414-221-3985
Direct e-mail
Item
Organization
Name of organization (original language)
or
Name of individual if unaffiliated with any organization
Commonwealth Edison Company
Name of organization (English)
(Same as above)
Acronym (original language)
None
Acronym (English)
None
Department
Function(s) within the AIJ project activities
Financing
Street
P.O. Box 767
City
Chicago
State
Illinois
Post code
60690
Country
U.S.A.
Telephone
Fax
E-mail
World Wide Web-URL address
Administrative Officer Responsible for the Project
Surname
O'Connor
First name, middle name
James J.
Job title
Chairman
Direct telephone
312-394-3224
Direct fax
312-394-7799
Direct e-mail
Contact Person for AIJ Activities (if different from the Administrative Officer)
Surname
O'Toole
First name, middle name
Mary
Job title
Environmental Services Manager
Direct telephone
312-394-4430
Direct fax
312-394-4466
Direct e-mail
Item
Organization
Name of organization (original language)
or
Name of individual if unaffiliated with any organization
NIPSCO Development Company Inc.
Name of organization (English)
(Same as above)
Acronym (original language)
None
Acronym (English)
None
Department
Function(s) within the AIJ project activities
Financing
Street
5262 Hohman Avenue
City
Hammond
State
Indiana
Post code
46320-1775
Country
U.S.A.
Telephone
Fax
E-mail
World Wide Web-URL address
Administrative Officer Responsible for the Project
Surname
Adik
First name, middle name
Stephen P.
Job title
President
Direct telephone
219-647-6012
Direct fax
219-647-6061
Direct e-mail
Contact Person for AIJ Activities (if different from the Administrative Officer)
Surname
Smith
First name, middle name
Art
Job title
Director, Environmental Affairs
Direct telephone
219-647-5252
Direct fax
219-647-5271
Direct e-mail
5. Description of AIJ project activities
Item
Type of Project
Sector(s)
Energy
Primary activity(ies)
Fuel-switching, energy efficiency improvements, cogeneration
Project Location
Country
Czech Republic
Exact location (city, state, region)
Teplicka 31/45, 405 22 Decin IV
Key Dates and Current Stage of Project
Project starting date (month/year)
January 1995
Project ending date (month/year)
August 2021
Project lifetime (years)
26 years + 8 months
Current stage of project
In progress
General Project Description and Technical Data
The project involves construction of a new facility next to the existing Bynov District Heating
Plant (site 1). This facility, which became operational in September 1996, houses two gas engines
with a combined capacity of 10.6 megawatts (MW) and a combustion efficiency of 90%, plus a peaking
gas boiler. Water used to cool the engines supplies apartment blocks with hot water for heating and
drinking. The engines also generate 25 gigawatthours (GWh) of electricity per year. Natural gas for
the facility is supplied via a pipeline from Russia.
In addition, the existing steam distribution system has been replaced with a new, more efficient
hot water delivery system, improving the network's overall efficiency. The city is installing
meters in each building to measure heat and hot water delivery and controls in each apartment to
provide efficient regulation of service delivery. These energy efficiency improvements, as well as
the switch from lignite coal to natural gas, will reduce GHG emissions at the Bynov Plant.
The new Bynov cogeneration facility, with the ability to produce electricity as well as heat,
offsets electricity, and associated GHG emissions, from the national power utility grid (CEZ) (site
2).
6. Cost
(a) Explanation of methodology for calculating cost data
Methodology for Calculating Cost Data
This information is not yet available.
(b) Cost data-Project development
This information is not yet available.
(c) Cost data-Project implementation
Annual implementation cost information is not yet available.
Itemized Project Implementation Costs
7. Monitoring and verification of AIJ project activities and results
Item
Party(ies) that will be monitoring project activities
City of Decin
Party(ies) that will be externally verifying project results
Czech Hydrometeorological Institution
Date when the monitoring plan became (or will become) operational (month/year)
September 1995
Types of data that will be collected
Consumption of natural gas and annual electricity production
Description of Monitoring and Verification Activities and Schedule for Implementation
To monitor the project, natural gas annual consumption data will be drawn from the natural gas
monitor used to determine payments for the gas supply. Using a fixed carbon content for natural gas
of 33,000 lbs per million cubic feet (mcf), CO2 emissions and emissions reductions will
be calculated for each engine and boiler at the plant.
In addition, data on total annual energy produced by the project will be collected and the
resulting GHG emission reductions will be calculated according to the calculation methodology for
the project scenario of site 2 outlined in section E of this report.
The CO2 emissions will be monitored periodically throughout the year and an annual
report will be completed at the end of each year of the project. The annual CO2
emissions will be certified by the Czech Ministry of Environment. In addition, the Czech
Hydrometeorological Institution will develop and implement a monitoring and verification program in
the pre-construction phase through the first year of the facility's operation.
During the pre-construction phase, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institution will review and
assess: the historic CO2 emissions baseline for the Bynov Plant, the projected
CO2 emissions under the reference and project scenarios, a report on potential leakage
problems and shift of existing load to other sources of heat supply, the Czech government policy on
scoring of CO2 emission reductions from the Bynov Plant relative to the Czech national
plan, and the monitoring strategy and techniques proposed. The above assessments will be summarized
in a brief report for submittal to the USIJI Secretariat.
After construction, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institution will assess and certify in writing
the environmental performance (reported CO2, SO2, and NOx
emissions) after the end of the first year of operation.
B. Governmental approval
Item
Please check one of the following.
This report is a first report.
or
This report is an
intermediate report.
or
This report is a final report.
Please check one of the following:
This report is a joint
report. Letter(s) of approval of this report from the designated national authority of the other
Party(ies) involved in the activity is(are) attached in Section J, Annex.
or
This report is a separate report.
Additional comments (if any):
C. Compatibility with, and supportiveness of, national economic development and socioeconomic and
environmental priorities and strategies
Compatibility with Economic Development and Socioeconomic and Environmental Priorities
The Decin project is consistent with national goals to both reduce air pollution and enhance energy
efficiency. The project will use imported gas engines of higher quality and efficiency than those
produced domestically. The impact of installing such engines will be such that (1) domestic
manufacturers will have to start producing similar equipment in order to compete on the market and
(2) it will demonstrate the economic feasibility of such projects for other municipalities and
companies.
D. Environmental, social/cultural, and economic impacts of the AIJ project
Non-Greenhouse Gas Environmental Impacts of the Project
By switching from coal to natural gas, the project will reduce other air pollutants, especially
sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which will have significant public health benefits in one of
the most polluted cities in Northern Bohemia. In addition, the lignite presently used at the Bynov
District Heating Plant is transported by truck from the town of Most, 75 kilometers from the city.
Elimination of this fuel source will reduce transportation-related air pollutants in the region.
This will help the city reduce tropospheric ozone, and will decrease coal dust in the air.
Social/Cultural Impacts of the Project
This information is not yet available.
Economic Impacts of the Project
In the short run, there has been increased employment in Decin as construction crews were hired to
build the new facility. However, while the cogeneration facility will have a positive impact on
economic development in the city of Decin, there will be some negative impact at the coal mines in
Most. Because of the small size of the plant, it is not expected to cause layoffs of coal miners.
E. Greenhouse gas impacts of the AIJ project
1. Scenario description
Item
Site Designation
Site number (order of presentation in this report)
1 of 2
Site name/designation
The Bynov District Heating Plant, Decin
Project sector
Energy
Reference Scenario
Primary activity(ies)
Use of lignite to fuel the Bynov District Heating System
Has the reference scenario changed since the last report? (If yes, explain any changes below.)
Yes
No
This is the first project report.
Description:
Decin is a heavily industrialized center with a population of 55,000 located at the bottom of a
deep valley in the northwestern corner of Northern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Due to the deep
valley, high levels of air pollution accumulate over the region. Heat production is the largest
contributor to the air pollution. The greater part of the city's housing units are heated by
lignite, either directly by burning the coal in individual homes, or indirectly by being linked to
the district heating plant, which is fueled with lignite.
The Bynov Plant is a 19.6 MW facility that burns 12,800 tonnes of local lignite annually. The coal
has a carbon content of 41.8% and emits 19,582 t CO2 annually. Without the project, the
Bynov Plant would continue to use lignite, and plans for installing the capacity for cogeneration
and improving the efficiency of the heat distribution network would not have been initiated. With
an annual heat production of 107,000 gigajoules (GJ) and an annual heat combustion (input) of
170,000 GJ, the combustion efficiency is approximately 63%.
Predicted Project Scenario
Primary activity(ies)
Fuel-switching, energy efficiency improvements, cogeneration
Description:
The project scenario involves converting the Bynov District Heating Plant from coal-fired boilers
to natural gas engines, installing capacity for cogeneration, and improving the efficiency of the
heat distribution network. A new facility, which houses two gas engines and a peaking gas boiler,
has been constructed next to the existing Bynov Plant. This facility became operational in
September 1996. Natural gas for the facility is supplied via a pipeline from Russia.
The converted Bynov Plant has a capacity of 10.6 MW and an approximate efficiency of 90%. The
existing steam distribution system has been replaced with a new, more efficient hot water delivery
system, improving the network's overall efficiency. In addition, meters have been installed in
each building to measure heat and hot water delivery. These conversion and efficiency improvements
will allow the Bynov facility to continue to provide 107,000 GJ of heat while reducing energy
consumption from 170,000 GJ to 117,000 GJ.
Actual Project
Primary activity(ies)
Fuel-switching, energy efficiency improvements, cogeneration
Description:
The Decin Project was commissioned on September 13, 1996, and is achieving concrete emission
reductions of local and global pollutants:
Ash - 100% reduction
CO2 - over 30% reduction
SO2 - 100% reduction
Item
Site Description
Site number (order of presentation in this report)
2 of 2
Site name/designation
CEZ, National Grid, Czech Republic
Project sector
Energy
Reference Scenario
Primary activity(ies)
Coal-generated electricity
Has the reference scenario changed since the last report? (If yes, explain any changes below.)
Yes
No
This is the first project report.
Description:
GHG emissions occur off-site at the national power utility grid (CEZ). Electricity generated by the
CEZ supplies over 80% of the country's electricity. The CEZ national grid's fuel mix
includes nuclear, coal, and hydro. The coal units with in the CEZ grid are primarily used to meet
mid-load and peaking power demands.
Predicted Project Scenario
Primary activity(ies)
Cogeneration
Description:
The new Bynov cogeneration facility, with the ability to produce electricity in addition to heat,
will offset electricity from the CEZ national grid. The new Bynov plant will generate over 25 GWh
of electricity each year which will produce a net CO2 savings by backing out CEZ
electricity. Since CEZ's fuel mix is nuclear, coal, and hydro, the emission reductions achieved
are calculated based on the average emissions rate for the system.
Description of Calculation Methodology for the Reference Scenario
Site 1 (on-site) emissions for the reference scenario were estimated based on projections that
energy demand decreases approximately 13% at the Bynov plant by the end of 2001 and remains steady
thereafter. This explains the initial decrease in emission estimates for the reference scenario.
The projected decline results from a combination of three assumptions:
1) heat demanded by existing households will decline by 20% over the period 1996 - 2001 as a result
of the installation of thermostats and other energy efficiency improvements;
2) demand for heat will increase by 8,000 GJ (7%), as additional one- and two-family houses are
connected to the system;
3) heat demand will remain steady after 2001 because Decin is located in a small valley; therefore,
it is unlikely that housing will increase or that new commercial facilities will locate
there.
Site 1 reference scenario annual emissions were estimated by multiplying the estimated coal
consumption (t) of the old Bynov plant for a given year by the carbon content of lignite (41.8%).
This amount was then converted to CO2 using a conversion factor of 3.66. For example, in
1997 (year 3) site 1 reference scenario emissions are 19,177 t CO2 (= 12,535 t of coal *
41.8% C * 3.66 CO2/C).
Description of Calculation Methodology for the Project Scenario
Site 1 project scenario annual emissions were calculated by multiplying the new Bynov plant natural
gas consumption for a given year by the carbon content of natural gas. The estimate was converted
to t CO2 by dividing by 2,200 lbs per metric ton and multiplying by the CO2
conversion factor. For example, in 1997 (year 3) site 1 project scenario emissions are 13,309 t
CO2 (= (242 mcf natural gas * 33,000 lbs. C/mcf) / 2,200 lbs./t * 3.66
CO2/C).
Projections of annual natural gas consumption decline by approximately 13% between 1996 and 2002,
as in the reference case. Also, the project scenario emission estimates for year two and year 27
are correspondingly pro-rated to reflect the September 1996 plant start date and anticipated August
2021 plant end date.
Description of Calculation Methodology for the Actual Project
Description of Calculation Methodology for the Reference Scenario
The calculation of off-site CO2 emissions published in the report is preliminary. A more
precise calculation will be published in the next report.
Site 2 (off-site) emissions were based on projections that energy demand for electricity generated
at the CEZ grid decreases by approximately 13%, relative to 1996 levels, by 2001 and remains steady
thereafter. This explains the initial decrease in emission estimates for the reference scenario.
For a list of the assumptions which result in the projected decline, please see methodology for
site 1.
Site 2 (off-site) GHG emission reductions occur because the new Bynov cogeneration facility offsets
electricity from the CEZ national grid. Site 2 reference scenario annual emissions were calculated
by multiplying the estimated electricity production (MWh) of the new Bynov plant in a given year by
the CO2 emission factor for the CEZ grid system, 0.79 t CO2/MWh. For example,
in 1997 (year 3) site 2 reference scenario emissions are 20,362 t CO2 (= 25,775 MWh *
.79 t CO2/MWh).
The CO2 emission factor for the entire CEZ system of 0.79 t CO2/MWh is the
weighted average of the emission factors for the two types of coal used by the CEZ system. It is
derived in four steps:
1) multiply the amount of lignite used by CEZ by its carbon content of 32.9%;
2) multiply the amount of hard coal used by CEZ by its carbon content of 67.4%;
3) add the results from the first two steps, to derive total CEZ emissions;
4) divide this sum by the total CEZ electricity production and convert to CO2.
(t lignite coal * 32.9% C) + (hard coal * 67.4% C) * 3.66 CO2 / C = CEZ
CO2 emissions factor
CEZ total electricity production
(29 x 106 t * 32.9% C) + (0.6 x 106 t * 67.4% C) * 3.66 CO2
/ C = 0.0079 x 106 t CO2 / GWh
46,300 GWh = 0.79 t CO2 / MWh
Description of Calculation Methodology for the Project Scenario
Because there are no off-site project emissions, annual project scenario emissions at site 2 equal
zero. Annual project net carbon benefits at site 2 represent the annual emissions avoided at the
national utility (CEZ) grid by the electricity production of the new cogeneration Bynov
plant.
Because the plant did not begin operation until September 1996, the project scenario emission
estimates for year two and year 27 include emissions from the grid during the months when the plant
was not operational.
Description of Calculation Methodology for the Actual Project
This information is not yet available.
3. GHG emission/sequestration data
(a) Reporting of GHG emissions/sequestration
(b) Additional information on GHG emissions/sequestration
Indirect or Secondary GHG Impacts (Positive and Negative)
Possible secondary effects exist in the form of emissions associated with the construction of the
new facility, such as mobile source emissions. However, these emissions are likely to be small.
Factors That Could Cause the Future Loss or Reversal of GHG Benefits
Given the nature of this project-substitution of coal generated power with natural gas power-loss
or reversal of benefits that have been achieved is not possible. However, if the City of Decin were
to opt to shut down the Bynov plant and shift the heating load to a coal-fired facility, the
projected GHG emission reductions would be lost.
Strategy for Reducing the Risk of Future Loss or Reversal of GHG Benefits
The construction of the new facilities and connection to the gas pipeline represent a substantial
capital investment. The project also has significant local and federal political support.
Therefore, the project's GHG reductions will likely be continued well into the future. Even if
the project were abandoned at some point, the reductions achieved up to that point would not be
reversed. Nevertheless, the U.S. participants included a provision in their final agreement with
the City of Decin that will prevent such a loss in the future.
F. Funding of the AIJ project
1. Identification of funding sources
Funding Source
Country ofFunding Source
Amount
($US)
Percentof TotalFunding(%)
Is This Funding Assured? (Y/N)
Czech Savings Bank
Czech Republic
6,600,000
82.5
Y
Danish Government
Denmark
800,000
10
Y
WEPCo
U.S.A.
200,000
2.5
Y
NIPSCO Development Co.
U.S.A.
200,000
2.5
Y
Commonwealth Edison Co.
U.S.A.
200,000
2.5
Y
Total
8,000,000
100
2. Assessment of additional funding needs
Current or Planned Activities to Obtain Additional Funding
This information is not yet available.
G. Contribution to capacity building and technology transfer
Contribution to Capacity Building and Technology Transfer
The Decin Project has laid the groundwork for future JI project development by building the
capacity of the local and federal government officials to identify, develop, and finance similar
projects with GHG reductions. Further, the project serves as a model to demonstrate how inefficient
and environmentally damaging district heating plants may be upgraded with both economic and
environmental benefits.
In addition, the project will augment technology transfer. The cogeneration facility is expected to
be the most advanced technology of its kind in the Czech Republic. Contract bids for the project
were sent to manufacturers of gas engines and boilers world wide.
H. Recent developments, technical difficulties, and obstacles encountered
Recent Project Developments
This information is not yet available.
Technical Difficulties and Other Obstacles Encountered
Although the plant was expected to be operational by October 1995, construction delays postponed
start-up until September 1996.
I. Additional information
Additional Information
None.
J. Annex
1. Host country acceptance of the AIJ project
Country/Project Title
Name, Title, and Government Agencyof the DesignatedNational Authority
Date of Approval(day/month/year)
Czech Republic / The City of Decin: Fuel-Switching for District Heating
Vladislav Bizek, Deputy Minister, Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic