Project Overview
Oilon has taken on a significant role in Central Asia by supplying 20 low NOx burners for a large-scale district heating project in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital. The project involves the construction of two identical district heating plants, each with a heating capacity of 700 MW, serving the newly developed residential areas of Telmana and Turan in Astana. These plants, designed to operate primarily on natural gas, will each be equipped with ten Oilon ACE burners, making this the largest project Oilon has secured in Central Asia.
Challenges and Market Context
Astana experiences harsh winter conditions, often plunging to -30°C or even -40°C. Historically, the city’s heating solutions relied heavily on fossil fuels like light fuel oil and heavy oil, leading to high emissions and poor air quality. With a population of 1.4 million, a cleaner, more efficient heating system became increasingly urgent.
The local government, adopting a more Western-oriented political approach, recognized the necessity of upgrading the city’s heating infrastructure. This shift toward gasification marks a significant step in Kazakhstan’s green transition, with an emphasis on applying stringent European and North American emission standards. This political and environmental push is expected to influence other cities in Kazakhstan to follow suit.
Technical Solution
Burner Technology:
- Models Deployed: Oilon provided three types of ACE burners for this project: GT-70A, GKT-70A, and GT-90A.
- Emission Control: The ACE burners are capable of achieving NOx emissions as low as 60 mg/nm³ under standard conditions. When equipped with flue gas circulation, these burners can further reduce emissions to as low as 30 mg/nm³, significantly surpassing the stringent European emission standards.
- Fuel Flexibility: The ACE burners are designed to operate primarily on natural gas but are also capable of switching to light oil as a backup fuel, ensuring reliable operation even if the primary fuel supply is interrupted.
Comprehensive Delivery:
- Additional Components: Alongside the 20 low NOx burners, Oilon’s delivery package included designated combustion air fans and an advanced automation system. This complete package ensures seamless integration of all components, providing optimal performance and operational efficiency for the district heating plants.
Results and Impact
The installation of these burners is a critical component of Astana’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The new district heating plants will serve as a model for sustainable energy solutions in the region, contributing to the green transition while ensuring that the city’s residents have access to reliable and efficient heating.
According to Taras Golub, Sales Director at Oilon, “This deal is the largest for us in Central Asia to date and we see it as just the beginning.” The successful implementation of this project is expected to open new opportunities for similar projects in other parts of Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Anton Spiridonov, Regional Director at Oilon, added, “Along with low emissions, Oilon ACE burners have a high capacity and performance, making them a great reference case for us in this market. They are also fuel-flexible, with natural gas as the primary fuel and the ability to use light oil as a secondary backup when needed.”
Project Timeline
Oilon is scheduled to complete the delivery of all equipment by the end of this year, with the entire district heating plant project expected to be finalized by 2025. This project not only underscores Oilon’s capability to provide comprehensive, high-performance combustion solutions but also demonstrates its commitment to supporting Kazakhstan’s environmental goals.
Author:
Ms Marika Pitkänen
Marketing and communication manager
Oilon
