Started the day off with a bus ride provided by CEZ Group to the Ledvice Power Plant. The presentation was a good introduction to how the plant operates. Then, we did a walk of the facilities that connect to the power plant. There were boiler systems in place and a control room with a model of the power plant. It was fascinating to hear that it can take 24 hours just to prepare for operation.
Next, we went on a mining site that contained a bit of clay and lots of lignite that would be transported to the power plant that would then produce about 5% of electricity for the city around. For the extraction process of coal, there is a bucket wheel excavator that would transport to conveyor belt for coal separation process. It was also nice to see their environmental efforts to restore land after mining as we went to an area surrounded with soil and trees which made me appreciate the aspect that they take sustainability into account when dealing with a tough material like coal that is typically known for releasing tons of carbon dioxide, driving issues for climate change. It also involved a laser beam and mirror that connects to the stability of the hill that the trees are located on. Additionally, they plan to use more hybrid energy to fuel the power plants as it was mentioned that the goal is to remove the mining by 2033 to meet the governmental standards of phasing-out coal with the mission to be more environmentally friendly. It was a shame to hear that the substitute, gas, is a challenge as the area receives little sunlight and solar panels are not as prominent due to lack to wind.
This visit has taught me a good amount about the mining industry in relation to energy and also raises curiosity as to future plans while shifting to environmentally friendly resources while still facing some issues.
Swanson School of Engineering 