Třinecké Železárny Uses Part of Its Energy from Renewable Sources

All administrative buildings of Třinecké železárny have started using energy exclusively from renewable sources. Likewise, a chemical water treatment plant is operated for green energy all year round.

Třinecké železárny agreed on this step with an energy supplier, the Energetika Třinec subsidiary, which purchases the necessary volume of energy from wind, water or solar power plants. Green energy is used for lighting, power supply and air-conditioning of offices. “It's one of a series of activities aimed at reducing the carbon footprint,” says Mr. Jan Czudek, the CEO of Třinecké železárny.

Both companies are also working to compensate for CO2 emissions in other areas, some of which target the energy sector. In the production of electricity, for example the company Energetika Třinec replace part of the fuel with biomass. Now we are focusing on the possibility of construction of photovoltaic power plants. “At the moment we assess selected production plants in the works for the installation of photovoltaic panels for clean energy. Currently the furthest is the solar power plant project at the new production hall of the remote Steel Drawing Plant in Staré Město,” explains Petr Matuszek, the Director of Energetika Třinec.

The hall should ideally use the solar energy in the expected volume of 180,000 kWh to power auxiliary equipment in the drawing plant. The photovoltaic panels will cover 2500 m2 of roof area of the new production hall, where new peeling and grinding technologies are located. The photovoltaic power plant should be in operation this year with a total expected investment of up to CZK five million, part of which will be covered by the relevant grant program. The installation of photovoltaic power plants does not only concern Třinecké železárny, similar projects are being prepared for some subsidiaries that produce from our steel.

Steel itself as an infinitely recyclable material ideally fulfills the principles of environmental sustainability. “Steel is indispensable in achieving the European Union's climate objectives, due to its vital role for rail transport, wind and hydro power plants and components for the green automotive industry,” says the CEO of Třinecké železárny. Notes, that despite of above, the European steel industry still belongs to the most vulnerable sectors because of carbon leakage. “The European Union must straighten the competitive field or the industry in Europe will disappear” adds the CEO. Steelmakers will bear both direct and indirect costs of allowances in the coming years, even though Europe produces only 9% of the world's CO2 emissions. Without market protection, the steel industry will not be competitive in long term.

Petra Macková Jurásková
Press Secretary of the Třinecké železárny - Moravia Steel Group
phone: +420 558 535 841
mobile: +420 602 265 738
e-mail: Petra.Mackova@trz.cz