The electricity generation in the Republic of Serbia relies
strongly on lignite-fired power plants as presented in
figure below - about 70% of total electricity is generated
in these plants. Hence, the decarbonization of the thermal
power plants is urgent as the Republic of Serbia plans to be
in the alliance for the reduction of CO2 emission and
mitigation of global warming. However, this goal cannot be
achieved overnight by closing lignite-fired power plants as
it would pose severe issues regarding the security of
electricity supply and cause immense economic consequences.
Regarding zero CO2 emission, the electricity generation from
renewable sources is advantageous. In the Republic of Serbia
the share of electricity generated in power units based on
renewable sources, especially from wind units, is getting on
significance in the last years. However, the implementation
of these power units is associated with difficulties related
to their weather dependence, i.e. the intermittency of their
electricity generation which introduces significant
disturbances in the electrical system.
The green transition and climate targets for 2030. and 2050. outlined in the European Green Deal strategy put great challenges to the Electric Power Industry of the Republic of Serbia. The near future scenario requires rise of energy efficiency, decrease of emission of harmful gasses and improvement of flexibility of thermal power plants in order to ensure stable frequency in the electric power grid when weather dependent electricity generation units are being implemented. This motivated us to propose TPP-RSU project in which technological measures will be conceptualized for a smooth and efficient transition towards partially decarbonized thermal power plants with higher share of renewable energy sources in power fleet of the Republic of Serbia.