Valmet is to supply the modernization of ŠKO-ENERGO’s heating plant in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. The project includes converting the two existing circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers from coal to biomass and delivering a new bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) boiler. The order also includes a flue gas cleaning system for the new boiler and modifications to the flue gas cleaning systems of the upgraded boilers. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

In addition to converting two existing CFB boilers from coal to 100% biomass, a new BFB boiler will be delivered to compensate for the reduced capacity from the converted CFB boilers. The new boiler will work alongside the retrofitted ones, which will handle a biomass mix of wood chips and agro-biomass pellets.

The modernization of the Mladá Boleslav plant, which supplies energy to Škoda Auto’s manufacturing facilities and provides heating for the town, represents a significant milestone in ŠKO-ENERGO’s transition to decarbonization.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The existing CFB boilers will be rebuilt in two consecutive years to ensure that the heat and power supply to the car manufacturing facility can continue without interruptions. The project is one of the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic, with part of the investment cost covered by subsidies from the Czech Republic’s State Environmental Modernisation Fund.

The order includes a new Valmet BFB Boiler, which will produce steam at a rate of 80 tons per hour using wood chips as fuel. In addition, two existing coal-fired CFB boilers will be rebuilt. Initially capable of producing 140 tons of steam per hour each, both boilers will be upgraded to handle wood chips and biomass pellets, with a new capacity of 100 tons per hour each.

ŠKO-ENERGO is a comprehensive energy provider based in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic.

Valmet has a global customer base across various process industries.