Activities Implemented Jointly Under the Pilot Phase
A. Description of the AIJ project
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