We solemnly launched new cogeneration units in Žilina

On May 19, 2026, we officially commissioned two new high-efficiency cogeneration units for the production of heat and electricity from natural gas for the MH Teplárenský holding závod Žilina. The project represents the first stage of decarbonization of the Žilina heating plant and a significant step towards the gradual end of coal combustion in the city.

The ceremonial event was attended by representatives of the state, local government and the energy sector, including representatives of MH Teplárenský holding, PPA CONTROLL, innogy Energo and the city of Žilina.

The new cogeneration units have a total thermal output of 18 MW and an electrical output of 19 MW. Thanks to their operation, while maintaining the same volume of heat supply, brown coal consumption will be reduced by approximately 26 thousand tons per year and carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 12 thousand tons per year.

"The launch of new cogeneration units in Žilina is a significant milestone in the transformation of the Slovak district heating industry. Our priority is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable heat supplies in the long term while reducing environmental burden. This project is proof that energy modernization can bring concrete benefits to cities, industry and the residents themselves," he said," said Adrián Jenčo, CEO of MH Teplárenský holding.

The project, worth approximately EUR 30 million, was supported by the European Union's Modernisation Fund with more than EUR 14,7 million. The implementation was ensured by a Slovak-Czech consortium of PPA CONTROLL, as the project leader, and Innogy Energo with the TTS Martin production plant, which is part of the innogy group.

"The new energy source significantly reduces negative impacts on the environment and supports adaptation to climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud to be part of the modernization of Slovakia's strategic energy infrastructure. After several implemented modernization projects of the heating industry in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, we have now also helped to create more environmentally friendly heating plants in Žilina, which will contribute to a better quality environment and a healthier life for the region's residents," said Erik Štefák from the company PPA CONTROL.

The new technology will be part of a broader reconstruction of the production source of heat and electricity in Žilina, which aims to gradually phase out coal and transform the plant into a more environmentally friendly and efficient energy production system. After the installation was completed, all equipment underwent individual tests and comprehensive operational testing. The installation of the new technology will also allow the shutdown of one of the existing coal-fired boilers - the K-5 boiler.

"We are pleased to be part of the modernization and decarbonization projects that are fundamentally changing the heating industry in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The transition from coal to natural gas is an economically rational step at current allowance prices, which also ensures reliable and affordable heat and electricity supplies for consumers. The implementation of the cogeneration units in Žilina is an important milestone for us and confirmation of our know-how,"added Jiří Šimek, managing director of innogy Energo.

The Žilina MHTH plant provides heat supply through approximately 70 kilometers of distribution network, which is currently undergoing modernization to a more efficient hot water system. In addition to households and public buildings, the heating plant also supplies technological steam to major industrial enterprises in the region.

The modernization of the Žilina heating plant will continue in the next stage. MH Teplárenský holding plans to build a new source of heat and electricity using biomass and a backpressure turbogenerator. The project, worth approximately EUR 60 million, has received support from the Modernization Fund in the amount of EUR 27 million.

After the implementation of the second stage, a further reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 36 thousand tons of CO₂ per year is expected. The company's goal is to continue the gradual transition away from the use of brown coal and build a modern, ecological and long-term sustainable heat supply system for the city of Žilina and its residents.