We discussed the transformation of central heat supply sources, decarbonisation, and innovation with Ing. Ladislav Moravec, Ph.D., the Director of Havířovská teplárenská společnost, a.s. He graduated from VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava with a degree in Systems Engineering, followed by a doctorate in the field of energy, and has spent his entire professional career working in the heating sector.
Havířovská teplárenská společnost, a.s. is not just a thermal energy distributor, it also innovates its transfer stations through its own unique production methods. How challenging is this process?
The production of transfer stations is a sophisticated process, involving everything from 3D design to high-quality assembly. To our knowledge, no other municipal heating distribution company in the Czech Republic undertakes this task to the same extent. We have manufactured all of the transfer stations currently in operation within our central heat supply system. Over the past twenty years, we have produced more than 2,300 transfer stations for the domestic market and for export to Scandinavian countries and outside Europe. Despite this, our primary mission remains the distribution of thermal energy within the city of Havířov.
You distribute heat energy via a central supply system. Are there any planned innovations in this area?
We believe that central heat supply is an efficient method of heat distribution, benefiting both the customers and their comfort. In the secondary part of our network, we consistently adopt the best available technologies and materials as they emerge on the market. We have long been implementing pre-insulated piping systems, using circulators that analyse and respond to the heating system’s requirements in realtime, measuring consumption with state-of-the-art ultrasonic meters, developing industrial control centres, and applying various other technologies that are considered innovative. At present, we identify opportunities for innovation mainly in the primary, or source, segment of the system. By replacing one coal source and positioning multiple smaller sources closer to customers, we can reduce heat distribution losses and enhance system efficiency.
The modernisation of energy services in the city of Havířov is now aligned with a new vision in partnership with ČEZ ESCO. Could you elaborate on what this means for the heating sector?
The management of the Statutory City of Havířov is highly committed to decarbonising the heating industry. They also view the construction of new energy sources as a chance to reduce and stabilise the increasing costs of heat by fostering a competitive environment. However, replacing the current single coal-fired source with modern, submerged CHP (Combined Heat and Power) systems is a significant innovation that necessitates a stable, technically knowledgeable, and marketstrong partner, which ČEZ ESCO undeniably is. The steps to achieve this vision are expected to follow those of similarly complex projects: starting with a feasibility study, moving through design preparation, and culminating in the actual implementation of a technically feasible, economically viable solution that will succeed in a transparent tender process for a new source for our central heat supply system.
So, we have an idea of what the near future looks like for you. Are there any innovative projects you are currently working on?
Our most significant current innovative project is undoubtedly the construction of our own photovoltaic power plant with an installed capacity of 165 kWp, located on the roof of our company headquarters, which is already equipped with 322 solar panels. The construction and technical aspects have been completed, and we are now awaiting the necessary legislative approvals and subsequent tests before bringing it into live operation. Our vision for renewable energy production goes beyond achieving energy self-sufficiency for the headquarters building. It also serves as a pilot project for sharing future electricity with our transfer stations or other technological components within our extensive district heating system.
Thank you for the interview.
