Today we had the chance to visit CEZ, an energy company in the Czech Republic responsible for producing the majority of the energy used in the country. CEZ primarily generates its energy though nuclear and coal power. Unfortunately we were not able to get the chance to visit a nuclear power plant but we were able to visit a coal power plant. This was my first time ever in a coal fired power plant and it was very impressive. The plant was surprisingly clean for a coal energy plant.
When I went to Iceland over spring break we were able to go to a geothermal power plant. It was very interesting to see some of the differences between the two plants. The geothermal power plant was almost spotles and while the coal plant was very clean it was still much dirtier.
We were also able to visit the coal mine during our visit which was even more fun. I have also never been to a mine before and it was truly a sight to see. All of the machines were gigantic and almost otherworldly. It is amazing that engineers are able to design and build incredible machines like ones used for mining.
Although seeing all of it was incredible, hopefully in the future CEZ will continue to move towards renewable sources of energy and nuclear energy.
Swanson School of Engineering 