KFx (K-Fuel)

KFx (K-Fuel) is a state-of-the-art, innovative and environmentally friendly technology for processing of non-bituminous coal. KFx is an engineering process of coal purification, producing KFx – K Fuel, marked by a high calorific value (greater by 30%), and an ecological fuel with excellent performance in terms of moisture reduction (drop by 70%). The key assumption of the technology is to reduce emissions: of sulphur to 40%, of NOx to 20%, and of mercury to 70%. Utilisation of K-Fuel generates substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

KFx fuel can be burned at any conventional co-generation plant and no facts or circumstances are known that would prevent utilisation of the lignite and KFx mixture. Burning parameters depend on the content of the mixture and the power plant's specifications. Utilisation of the KFx technology enables full harnessing of coal deposits and the power plant's production capacities.
Reduction in emissions and moisture, as well as increase in calorific value may vary, depending on the type of lignite used to produce KFx fuel. 

 Economically vital features of KFx:

  • Transport flexibility - change of lignite parameters and achievement of calorific value at 20 GJ/tonne as a minimum overcomes transport barrier and renders lignite transport over longer distances profitable. The strength of KFx technology lies in the coal's increased calorific value with a simultaneous reduction in its moisture rate, thus specific weight. Lignite's transport flexibility allows diversification of coal supplies for domestic power plants, and opens up new opportunities for coal mines to sell coal to different power plants, so far purchasing coal at excessive rates and footing high transport costs.
  • Lower sulphur content - the effect of the coal processing is the reduced volume of contaminants, such as heavy metals, and in particular sulphur compounds. A marked reduction in SOx generates substantial savings on coal desulphurisation systems. Under the law, power plants are required to meet SOx emission standards.
  • Power plant resources optimisation - KFx plant within a lignite mine and power plant complex also enables utilisation of waste heat for the KFx process coming from the power plant. Recycling of waste heat may be a substantial savings item attributable to the KFx system. It also indirectly reduces CO2 and SOx emissions.

 Greater coal sales by coal mines, effected by selling to other domestic power plants and to foreign markets, enables coal production at a steady or higher level, which is important for the launch of the sector restructuring process. The launch of the lignite purification technology, which increases its transport flexibility, reduces dependence of domestic power plants on local coal mines and may be a factor in establishing competitive conditions in the sector.