Substitution of Kuznetsk for Ekibastuz coal at power stations in Russia

The structure of the current consumption of the fuel and of the coal burned at the power stations and boiler houses of the power systems of Russia is presented. An analysis of the scientific, engineering, environmental, and economic problems and conditions concerning the substitution of certain grades of Kuznetsk coal for the low-caking grade of Ekibastuz coals is given. The scope of reconstruction work to be done at power stations for such a substitution of fuel is determined; the required investments for the reconstruction are substantiated; the changes in the environmental impact of the largest thermal power stations converted for burning Kuznetsk coal is assessed. It is shown that, presently, taking into account current market prices for coal, there are no economic reasons to further use Ekibastuz coals on a full scale at power stations in Russia.