Abstract: The paper presents research on the implementation of flue gas recirculation (FGR) in the Kosovo B lignite Power Plant, which aims to reduce pollutant emissions and improve combustion efficiency. During the research, we managed to determine that the temperature of the flue gases at the boiler outlet reaches up to 950°C during standard operation, where $$SO_{2}$$, CO, $$NO_{x}$$, and $$CO_{2}$$ are identified as the dominant gases emitted. Continuous monitoring of emissions in the stack reveals high levels of CO, $$CO_{2}$$, $$SO_{2}$$, and $$NO_{x}$$. Parallel measurements of ambient air quality in the vicinity of the power plant confirm the distribution of these pollutants. The measured concentrations are evaluated in accordance with European Directive 2008/50/EC to assess compliance with EU air quality standards. The lignite used in the combustion process has a low calorific value (LHV) of 8197kJ/kg and contains significant amounts of metallic elements, including Fe, FeS2, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd. The combustion residues - ash and slag - consist mainly of complex metal oxides. Process simulation and analysis show that introducing a controlled fraction of flue gas back into the combustion chamber leads to a reduction in flame temperature, lower thermal $$NO_{x}$$ formation, and more stable combustion conditions. As a result, flue gas recirculation offers a technically feasible and environmentally beneficial modification to existing operations, supporting both emission reduction objectives and system optimization of lignite-fired power plants.

Keywords: Lignite, gases, emissions, ambient, environmentally, elements, system, power plant.

Pages: 1058-1065