As group manager at Verbund, Christof Kurzmann-Friedl is responsible, among other things, for the power plant in Mellach. The coal-fired power station is now being turned on again due to gas bottlenecks. “We’re getting ready – just like a fire brigade,” he explains the situation.
„krone“:Mr. Kurzmann-Friedl, how long will it take for the coal-fired power station to be operational again?
Christof Kurzmann-Friedl: We have to take into account three different aspects. First: the technology, which takes two to four months to be operational. Second, coal: we don’t know yet what the hotly contested market will bring. And thirdly, the staff: first of all, we have to estimate how many people we need. Depending on the availability of gas, we will deploy employees of the gas heating system.
Where should the coal come from?
We need a special kind of coal. Until now, it came from the Silesian region. Short deliveries are not possible from there, so we have to search the entire international market.
What is the capacity of the coal-fired power station?
Then, as before, we can cover 80 percent of Graz’s district heating needs. So we’re restoring the status quo.
Is it true that the plant will be shut down in 2020?
In terms of climate protection, the decision was quite understandable. From today’s point of view, it is good that nothing has broken down yet. Nothing is lost.
Can this all be done in such a short time?
It was a big surprise yesterday and will be a big challenge too. But we’re getting ready to intervene in an emergency – just like a fire brigade.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
