Combustion of alternative fuels, biomass, and waste

The research is focused on the optimization of combustion processes, increasing the efficiency of fuel utilization, and limiting the generation of undesirable emissions.

Technologies for emission reduction, monitoring, and air quality

This area includes the development and verification of methods for the continuous monitoring of pollutants and the evaluation of the effectiveness of measures aimed at improving air quality.

DeNOx and DeHg technologies, and the removal of other heavy metals

The research focuses on processes for reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides, mercury, and other toxic metals from the flue gases of industrial and energy equipment.

Measurement of methane emissions and ATEX zone classification

Activities include the detection and quantification of methane leaks, the risk assessment of explosive atmosphere formation, and determining the extent of the relevant ATEX zones.

CO₂ separation and utilization

The research focuses on capturing carbon dioxide from process streams and its subsequent utilization in the production of fuels, chemicals, or other products.

Energy recovery from waste

This area deals with the efficient and environmentally safe conversion of waste materials into thermal and electrical energy or alternative fuels.

Hydrogen technologies and energy decarbonization

The research includes the production, processing, storage, and safe utilization of hydrogen as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector and industry.

Energy efficiency and environmental safety

This area is focused on reducing the energy intensity of processes while simultaneously limiting their environmental, operational, and safety risks.

Description of the research group

The Environmental Protection Technologies research group focuses on the development and application of advanced technologies for reducing emissions and the environmental impacts of energy and industrial processes. The research is primarily oriented towards the combustion of alternative fuels, biomass, and waste, emission monitoring, flue gas cleaning technologies, the decarbonization of the energy sector, and supporting the principles of the circular economy.

Keywords

# emission reduction technologies

# combustion of alternative fuels, biomass, and waste

# emission and air quality monitoring

# DeNOx, DeHg, and other heavy metal technologies
# measurement of methane emissions and ATEX zone classification
# CO₂ separation and utilization
# circular economy
# energy recovery from waste
# hydrogen technologies and energy decarbonization
# energy efficiency and environmental safety

Objectives and Focus

The group strives to develop innovative technologies for reducing greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions, supporting the energy transition, and efficiently utilizing alternative fuels and waste. The long-term goal is to strengthen applied research, cooperation with industry, and the practical implementation of results. In the short term, the group focuses on technologies related to hydrogen production, H₂ purity analysis, methanation, the environmental assessment of technologies, and the optimization of energy processes.

Ing. Karel Borovec, Ph.D.

Research Group Leader

E-mail:	karel.borovec@vsb.cz
Phone:	+420 596 993 868

Profile

Research Activities and Projects

Research Excellence For REgion Sustainability and High-tech Industries (REFRESH)

Project No.: CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000048
Provider: Ministry of the Environment
Implementation period: 2022–2027
Research of catalytic materials for reducing emissions of nitrogenous compounds from industrial and energy sources. NPO – research of catalytic systems for the oxidation of CO and VOC intended for use in local heating systems.

Innovative technologies for a cleaner Ostrava region!!!

OP JAK Project No.: CZ.02.01.01/00/23_021/0008588
Provider: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Implementation period: 2025–2028
Principal investigator: prof. Ing. Lucie Obalová, Ph.D.
Development and study of supported catalysts for NH₃ oxidation and high-temperature catalytic materials for the decomposition of nitrogen oxides, focusing on stability and efficiency under demanding operating conditions.

Cost- and resource-efficient hydrogen storage at ambient temperature and a maximum pressure of 3.5 MPa

Program: SIGMA Applied Research and Innovation Support Programme (2022–2035)
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
Implementation period: 2024–2027
Principal investigator: Ing. Karel Borovec, Ph.D.
The aim of "Core-H2storage" is to ensure energy-efficient and reliable hydrogen storage, which will enable its availability as a flexible and scalable energy source.

National Center for Energy II (NCE II)

Program: National Competence Centres Programme for Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation (2018–2028)
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
Implementation period: 2023–2028
Principal investigator: prof. Ing. Stanislav Mišák, Ph.D.
The mission of NCE II is to stimulate long-term cooperation between leading research organizations and major application entities in the energy market. NCE II is a cluster of leading research organizations, universities, and innovation leaders in the field of modern energy.

Methodology for high-pressure H2 sampling and subsequent analysis of its impurities for further efficient utilization in transport and energy sectors

Program: THÉTA Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation Support Programme (2018–2025)
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
Implementation period: 2023–2025
Principal investigator: Ing. Karel Borovec, Ph.D.
The main goal of the research project is the development and subsequent accreditation of a methodology for H2 sampling at high pressures and the subsequent analysis of its impurities. Impurities in H2 cause a gradual decrease in the efficiency of fuel cells. The list of polluting components is known, as are the methods for the laboratory analysis of these impurities.

Research on Hg distribution in wet flue gas desulfurization

Program: THÉTA Applied Research, Experimental Development and Innovation Support Programme (2018–2025)
Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
Implementation period: 2022–2024
Principal investigator: Ing. Karel Borovec, Ph.D.
The main goal of the project is the research and optimization of the main parameters influencing the distribution and capture of Hg and other metals in the absorber of the wet desulfurization method. The project also includes research on suitable industrially available reagents, including the determination of their optimal dosing amounts suitable for the capture of total mercury (HgT) and other metals.

Methodology

Experimental measurement of emissions and operating parameters
Certified high-pressure H2 sampling for purity determination
Continuous emission monitoring (CEMS)
Laboratory and pilot-scale testing
Diagnostics of combustion processes
Gas and aerosol sampling
Data analysis and statistical evaluation
GIS and database tools

Services

Accredited measurement of emissions and operating parameters
Continuous determination of H2 purity
Continuous emission monitoring (CEMS)
Analysis of combustion processes and alternative fuels
Design and optimization of emission reduction technologies
Measurement of methane emissions and ATEX risk analysis
Environmental and energy audits
Expert and advisory services for industry and public administration
Laboratory and pilot-scale testing of technologies
Development of methodologies and certified procedures

Results and Applications

The group's research contributes to reducing the emissions burden of industry and the energy sector, the development of low-emission technologies, and more efficient resource utilization. The results find application in energy facilities, Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants, the district heating industry, and waste management. The group supports the transition to sustainable energy, increasing energy efficiency, and compliance with the environmental requirements of European legislation. Through its activities, it significantly contributes to the implementation of technologies for H2 production from renewable sources.

Selected Publications

Vibration-assisted torrefaction of urban leaf waste for improved moisture-resistant solid biofuels

Katarzyna SZTYBEL; GÓRECKI, Jerzy; DZIOK, Tadeusz; CHWISTEK, Mateusz; BOROVEC, Karel.

Fuel Processing Technology

2026

High mercury emission (both forms: Hg0 and Hg2+) from the wet scrubber in a full-scale lignite-fired power plant

KRZYŻYŃSKA, Renata; SZELIGA, Zbyszek; PILAŘ, Lukáš; BOROVEC, Karel; REGUCKI, Paweł.

FUEL

06/2020, 117491

Mercury emission from three lignite-fired power plants in the Czech Republic

GÓRECKI, Jerzy; SZELIGA, Zbyszek; PILAŘ, Lukáš; BOROVEC, Karel.

Fuel Processing Technology

106628 (2021), 1873-7188

The methods and stands for testing fixed sorbent and sorbent polymer composite materials for the removal of mercury from flue gases

GÓRECKI, Jerzy; MACHERZYŃSKI, Mariusz; CHMIELOWIEC, Jacek; BOROVEC, Karel; WAŁĘKA, Mateusz et al.

Energies

2022, roč. 15, č. 23.

The development and validation of a rapid, in situ method of the determination of NH3 in solid by-products of the combustion process

GÓRECKI, Jerzy; BOROVEC, Karel; PILAŘ, Lukáš a MARCOLA, Justyna.

Journal of Cleaner Production

125148 (2021), 1879-1786

Partners

The group collaborates with industrial enterprises, research organizations, and universities in the Czech Republic and abroad. Collaboration is particularly significant in the areas of emission monitoring, energy decarbonization, energy recovery from waste, and hydrogen technologies. Research activities are also carried out in cooperation with European research consortia and international professional platforms.