The Obilsky Ceramic Plant will launch a cogeneration unit in the first quarter

January 6, Vitebsk / Olga Bogacheva - BELTA /. KPUP "Obol Ceramic Plant" plans to launch a new cogeneration unit in the first quarter of 2011, the enterprise informed a BELTA correspondent. A microturbine unit manufactured in the USA with a capacity of 1 MW has already been installed at the site near workshop No. 2. The plant allocated over Br3 billion for its acquisition in 2010. An additional Br1.5 billion in investments is required to complete the project, connect and commission the unit. The unit is scheduled to be launched at the end of the first quarter. Its operation will allow the enterprise to independently provide 85% of its electricity needs, which amounts to 8.5 million kWh per year. The remaining part, or 2.5 million kWh per year, will be purchased by the enterprise. The expected economic effect from the project implementation is projected at 1.2 thousand tons of equivalent fuel per year. The payback period is about four years. Currently, the plant is completing preparations for the implementation of a project to produce porous ceramic blocks with a production volume of 90 million standard bricks per year. With the commencement of work on the project, it is planned to acquire another similar cogeneration unit, which will allow the enterprise to fully meet its electricity needs. In 2010, the plant produced 51.2 million standard bricks, or 121.6% compared to the 2009 level. During this period, 48.8 million standard bricks were sold, or 119.6% respectively. Obol Ceramic Plant was founded in 1929. Currently, it is the largest enterprise in Belarus for the production of bricks and ceramic products, manufacturing clinker and ceramic bricks, paving tiles, and artistic ceramics. In 2007, the plant implemented the ISO 2001 product quality management system. -0-