As an energy company, we are aware of the increasingly pronounced key role we play in the fight against climate change. Accordingly, in every segment of our business operations we strive for sustainable solutions that contribute to the global transition towards a green and sustainable future in order to preserve the environment for future generations. We responsibly approach our role in the energy transition and continuously invest in low-carbon solutions and technologies, which actively reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and environmental pollutants.
A more detailed description of climate risk management as well as data on greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint) and air pollutants can be found in
sustainability reports.
Emission of pollutants into the air
Emissions of pollutants (SO
2, NO
x, CO, particulate matter, mercury, dioxins and furans) into the air occur through the combustion of fuel during the process of electricity and heat generation. Measurements of pollutant emissions into the air are carried out by initial, periodic and continuous measurements at the outlet. The frequency and method of measuring pollutants into the air from an individual outlet is regulated by the Air Protection and Environmental Permits Act.
Thermal power plants of HEP-Proizvodnja (generation) and HEP-Toplinarstvo (district heating), which are obligated to continuously monitor pollutant emissions, have built-in central emission measurement systems (CEMS) at the outlet/chimney, which data is transferred via a computer network to the
Information System for Monitoring Pollutant Emissions from Stationary Sources managed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition (MZOZT). All information on periodic emission measurements submitted to the MZOZT by authorized laboratories for measuring and monitoring emissions is also available at the same location.
Data on the types and quantities of pollutants released into the air, water and soil, if exceed the emission thresholds at locations, are annually entered into the
Environmental Pollution Register (EPR) maintained by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition.
Greenhouse gas emissions (EU-ETS 1 and EU-ETS 2)
Since 1 January 2013, HEP-Proizvodnja has been a party to the European Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS1). All thermal power plants of HEP-Proizvodnja have obtained greenhouse gas emission permits and approved greenhouse gas monitoring plans from the Ministry of Health, Safety and Environment. Accordingly, they fulfill their annual obligation to prepare and verify the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report and the Free Emissions Report, and to register verified emission units on HEP-Proizvodnja user accounts in the European Union Registry for each tonne of CO
2 emitted.
With the introduction of the European Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS2), HEP-Plin (gas) has become a party to the European Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS2). The procedure for obtaining a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Permit is underway.
