The Innovation Polygon CEETe is One of the Top Decarbonisation Projects

The new scientific centre was recognized by Schneider Electric in the Sustainability Impact Awards, which seeks out and highlights projects that that significantly contribute to decarbonization and sustainable development."

The Czech innovation scene was represented in the international competition by the polygon of the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies of the VSB - Technical University of Ostrava. The polygon is a shining example of cooperation between the academic and applied spheres and also proof of VSB-TUO's commitment to the strategy of sustainable development of society. The project deserved the award thanks to its scientific and practical contributions to decarbonization.

Low-carbon technologies as a tool for sustainable energy

The basic technological units include the laboratory of thermochemical conversion with a plasma gasification unit enabling the conversion of alternative fuels, or waste, into useful forms of energy – electrical, thermal or chemical products, with a strong emphasis on hydrogen separation. Hydrogen plays a key role in the overall energy balance of CEETe. With the support of the Hydrogen Technology Laboratory, the possibilities of purifying it to the required quality according to the potential customers are analyzed, along with options for its distribution, storage, and final use, including a filling station with an output pressure of one thousand bars.

" The main goal of CEETe is to demonstrate the possibilities of energy decarbonization using unique laboratory facilities and top-notch professionals enabling a shift away from fossil fuel-dependent energy to sustainable energy using low-carbon technologies with full respect for the principles of the circular economy. The uniqueness of the solution lies not only in the high technological level and sophistication of individual equipment but especially in their synergistic integration into a functional unit with the possibility of its scalability, modularity and transportability," said Stanislav Mišák, CEET Director

The CEETe building was designed to be energy self-sufficient throughout the whole year. The design therefore placed great emphasis on maximising the use of the areas for energy generation and to this end, the building's energy mix includes a photovoltaic power plant with a unique placement in the building's facade, combined with a roof installation, is part of the building's energy mix. The system is complemented by wind turbines with a vertical axis of rotation, which were designed specifically for urban areas. The energy self-sufficiency itself is optimized with the support of a large-capacity battery storage system controlled by a sophisticated dispatching system. The environmental character of CEETe is enhanced by maximizing the use of rainwater for sanitary purposes, a hydroponic laboratory, and also for irrigating the green roof and especially the green facade, creating an interesting contrast to the building's technicist design.

The new scientific center also aims to attract top scientists from around the world.

Microgrid - a key element of energy independence

The project also included the design of a microgrid, which is a stand-alone electricity network that allows you to generate your own local electricity and use it where it is most needed. "We believe that the microgrid represents the future of energy solutions wherever a stable and independent energy grid is necessary. We appreciate working together on such an exceptional project that points the way to the energy transformation of the 21st century," said Pavel Bezucký, CEO of Schneider Electric.

The Sustainability Impact Awards have been running since 2022 and assess the contribution of the company's partner projects in decarbonising its own operations and beyond. The announcement of this year's grand final took place on April 3rd as part of the Innovation Summit in Paris. A total of twelve Schneider Electric partners were awarded the global title in categories such as Contribution to My Society, Contribution to My Customers, and Contribution to My Society in the category of large and medium-sized suppliers. The final featured a total of one hundred representatives from all over the world, including the winner of the national round from the Czech Republic, which was the CEETe innovation polygon of VSB-TUO.