In an evolving energy market, coal-fired power plants are increasingly required to adapt to changes in coal supply and quality. Whether driven by cost, availability, or compliance requirements, switching to alternative coal sources poses complex technical and operational challenges.
HRL’s Coal Switching Service supports plant owners and operators in assessing the feasibility and implications of changing fuel sources—ensuring continued reliability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Switching coal types is far more than a procurement decision. Each coal type presents different combustion properties, slagging and fouling behaviour, milling performance, and emissions profiles. Without proper assessment, switching fuels can lead to:
- Reduced plant efficiency and increased heat rate
- Accelerated component wear or failure
- Emissions non-compliance
- Poor combustion or slagging/fouling in boilers
HRL combines deep combustion engineering expertise, advanced thermodynamic modelling, and on-site testing capabilities to de-risk coal switching projects and ensure successful implementation.
