By the virtue of the decision of the Governor of Silesia Province of 31 December 2004, Południowy Koncern Energetyczny obtained an integrated permission for fuel combustion installation in Jaworzno III power plant. Pursuant to the provisions of the permission and the emission standards, the permissible level of emission of sulphur dioxide from all the sources and emitters of Jaworzno III power plant from 1 January 2008 will amount to 400 mg/Nm³. From among six power units installed in Jaworzno III power plant, four units: no. 1,2,5 and 6 have already been connected to flue gas desulphurization installations. Flue gases from units 3 and 4 are not desulphurized. Further restriction of emission of sulphur dioxide thus compliance with the integrated permission requirements and emission standards for units 3 and 4 will not be possible without connecting them to flue gas desulphurization installations.

Therefore in 2005, the company launched an initiative to incorporate the flue gas desulphurization installation for units 3 and 4 using a modern and energy-saving technology facilitating reduction of SO₂ emission to a much lower level than required by the law in force. The procedure of the selection of the contractor was launched in September 2005. At the level of concepts, several possible solutions were taken into consideration. The variant which ensured achievement of the planned SO₂ concentration in desulphurized flue gases (< 200 mg/Nm³) and occurred to be optimal in terms of technology and economy as well as ecology, was wet desulphurization. During the tender procedure, the company entered negotiations with several potential contractors, who presented their own concepts for the performance of the task, complying with the conditions included in the specifications to the order. Eventually, the tender was won by Rafako SA which signed a relevant contract on 25 October 2006.

The installation specified in the contract, similar to the existing one, will comprise:

• Section transmitting sulphur-laden flue gases (fans, gas passes, hatches, compensators, supporting structures),
• SO₂ absorption section (an absorber with circulation),
• Section transmitting desulphurized flue gases from the absorber to the cooling tower no. 2
• Section transmitting flue gases to the cooling tower,
• Preparation of sorptive suspended matter on the basis of limestone dust and post-reaction product (PRP) from semi-wet desulphurization of flue gases,
• Electric installations and AKPiA.

With respect to the third line, some of unused for a decade flue gas desulphurization installation elements will be used. Owing to the vicinity of the existing flue gas desulphurization installation facilities, architectural solutions pertaining to new buildings and facilities will be designed on the basis of those existing. Apart from the restrictions of the emission of SO₂, the installation facilitates substantial reduction of emission of dust, hydrogen chlorine, hydrogen fluoride and heavy metals, which will result in the increased competitiveness of the power plant in terms of offered products, ecology and technology. Performance of the undertaking will enhance the quality of environment and thus will increase the standard of life of inhabitants of the region, increase of the production possibilities and strengthen the environmental friendly image of energy sector. From 2008, all flue gases of power plant Jaworzno III, after being treated in flue gas desulphurization installation, will be transmitted to the atmosphere through cooling towers, and a 300 meters tall smokestack, which hitherto was an inseparable element of the landscape, will be shut down. The construction works are planned to be finished at the end of June 2008.

The project entitled “Upgrade of flue gas desulphurization installations, construction of the third desulphurization line in Jaworzno III power plant” (WKP_1/2.4.1/2/2005/62/52), is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management within the framework of the industry operational programme, Improvement of Enterprise Competitiveness, in 2004-2006 action 2.4 Support for undertakings on adjustment of companies to the environmental requirements, subaction 2.4.1 Support for companies in the field of investments necessary to obtain an integrated permission .

Environmental effect – decrease of pollution by

• SO₂ – 21,835.9 Mg/a year
• Dust – 1,189.7 Mg/a year

Final recipient:
PKE SA

Total cost of project:
PLN 136,515,000.00

The amount of the subsidy:
PLN 20,260,500.00

Project duration:
2006 - 2008