In the past year, the ENGIE Group in Slovakia invested almost EUR 3 million in the renewal of the thermal power plants it operates. Major modernisation projects included the replacement of distribution lines in several cities, the installation of new heat generation sources and the construction of cogeneration units that allow the combined production of electricity and heat.
“The modernisation of heat management is a key step towards streamlining our operations, increasing the efficiency of equipment, reducing emissions and ensuring a reliable supply of heat for households and businesses. That is why we have invested more than 22 million euros in their renewal over the past 5 years,” says Miroslav Pajchl, director of the heat production and distribution department of ENGIE Services.
Modernisation of heat distribution systems in Brezová pod Bradlom
Last year we successfully completed the reconstruction of primary heat distribution systems in Brezová pod Bradlom. The project included a comprehensive replacement of the existing heating pipelines in the original routes, in the Záhumenie and D housing estates. Jurkoviča, for modern pre-insulated piping systems with a total length of 1,108 metres.
“We started the replacement of the heating pipes in May and the works, including landscaping, were completed in October 2024.The total investment in the project amounted to EUR 1 million (including VAT), with 85% of the eligible costs financed by the Modernisation Fund. Over and above this investment, we also contributed to the construction of a flower bed and new parking areas. In this way, we supported the improvement of the functional and aesthetic use of public spaces in the city,” adds Miroslav Pajchl.
The modernisation of the heat distribution system in Brezová pod Bradlom contributed to minimising heat losses, increasing operational reliability, extending the lifetime of the network and to a more stable heat supply for the residents.
Replacement of heat distribution systems in Malacky
Last year we also proceeded to the modernization of primary heat distribution systems in Malacky. In the vicinity of Brnianska Street we replaced the existing pipelines in the original routes in the total length of 400 metres. The work started in April and the project was completed in July 2024. The total investment, which was co-financed from the Modernisation Fund, amounted to EUR 645 thousand (including VAT).
“For the ENGIE Group, as the operator of the network and heat management, the modernisation means lower maintenance costs and energy losses, while the city and its inhabitants gain a more efficient, safer and more environmentally friendly heat supply system,” explains Miroslav Pajchl.
New backup heat source in Moldava nad Bodvou for higher reliability of supply
In December 2024, a new heat source was commissioned in Moldava nad Bodvou. The replacement took place without any restrictions on the heat supply to customers. A modern and more efficient gas boiler with an output of 1 950 kW replaced the technically obsolete model. In the future, it will serve as a backup heat source in case of shutdowns of the biomass boiler plant or the biogas plant, which is also operated by the ENGIE Group in Moldava nad Bodvou.
The modernisation, the total investment amount of which reached 60 thousand euros (including VAT), will contribute to the stability of heat and hot water supply for customers even in emergency situations.
New cogeneration units in Bratislava will increase the efficiency of heat and electricity production
During the last year, we implemented the construction of two new CHP units in our Bratislava heat farms – namely on Odborárská and Stavbárská streets.
The construction of the KGJ with an output of 190 kWe / 278 kWt on Odborárská Street started in November 2022 and was commissioned in October 2024. The total investment amounted to almost 615 thousand euros.
The project to install a 349 kWe / 443 kWt KGJ in the Stavbárská Street boiler house, which started in May 2024, is expected to be completed this summer. The investment will exceed 536 thousand euros. The construction of the KGJ in the Vrakuňa municipal district in Bratislava will support our long-term strategic plan to gradually transition this heat management system to an efficient central heating supply (CHP) system.
In addition, a photovoltaic power plant with an output of 56 kW was built on the roof of the boiler house on Stavbárská Street last year. The green energy that the plant will produce will contribute to environmental protection, reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
“CHP units are a greener way of producing energy, as they use primary resources efficiently and achieve high efficiency. They allow to combine heat and electricity production, reduce energy losses and increase the stability of supply. The electricity generated in this way will be supplied to the distribution network, while the heat produced will be used to supply customers within the CZT. The construction of both KGJs is an important milestone for us on the way to a more sustainable energy sector and a modern heat supply infrastructure in Bratislava,” concludes Miroslav Pajchl.