Moravskoslezské cukrovary, sro, will have a new, highly efficient and ecological source of steam production. They have decided to replace the outdated heating plant with a new one that will operate on the basis of natural gas.
Group PPA CONTROL in consortium together with CEZ Energy Services signed a contract for construction of a new energy source on the premises of the sugar refinery in Opava.
The order is in the "Design & Build" mode, which means it includes all construction and installation works, including complete project documentation. Steam production will be provided by three boilers with an output of twice 27 tp/hour and once 4 tp/hour. Natural gas, biogas or light heating oil can be used as fuel.
"The new method of steam production will save the sugar factory financial resources, reduce the energy intensity of sugar production and significantly contribute to reducing the ecological burden of the entire region," appreciated the project's benefits Erik Vicena, Deputy General Manager for Sales of the PPA CONTROLL Group.
Construction part of the contract includes the construction of a heating plant building, chimneys, natural gas connection and biogas connection. Technological part includes boiler room equipment, construction and operation of the engine room, piping systems, natural gas and biogas distribution, extraction of thermal power from the source, electrical connection of the boiler room, superior control system and systems measurements and controls.
"Our company is significantly helped in the implementation of the project by experience from the construction of a heating plant for a sugar refinery in Sereď, “ explains the background of Erik Vicena's know-how. The plant in Sereď, like the one in Opava, falls under Agrana Group, which produces sugar in six European countries.
"We had to solve problems specific to sugar factories, namely the energy intensity of production, which is also seasonal - lasts from September to January," reveals Erik Vicena and adds: "The new technology will not create financial and energy losses, nor increase maintenance requirements during months when the investor does not need energy for production."
The new heat and steam generation source for the Opava sugar refinery is co-financed by the Modernization Fund of the Czech Republic, which supports investments in energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. It is expected to be put into operation by the end of August 2025 at the latest.
