Laboratory for Solid fuels was established with the aim of supporting the coal industry, energy sector, and environmental protection. Over time, it has evolved into a modern research unit capable of responding to the complex demands of contemporary society.

The laboratory was formed during a period of intensive development of the mining and energy sectors of the former Yugoslavia. The need for reliable analyses of coal, coke and other fuels was crucial for the proper design of thermal power plants, coking plants and other industrial facilities. The laboratory’s initial tasks involved determining the basic chemical and technical parameters of coals from domestic basins such as Kolubara, Kostolac, Pljevlja and Resavica.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the laboratory expanded its activities and began collaborations with major industrial systems in the region. Standard methods for fuel characterization and testing of their environmental properties were introduced, providing a reliable basis for the rational use of domestic energy resources. The laboratory’s results were often used in the design of new facilities.

For a long period, the laboratory has operated as a specialized analytical center focused on the characterization of solid fuels, with particular emphasis on coal, coke and biofuels. Its role is multifaceted: from testing fuel quality testing and logistics in combustion process optimization to to environmental impact assessments.

Over the decades, the laboratory has become a trusted partner of domestic mining and energy corporations. It is accredited for sampling and testing solid fuels and combustion products in accordance with the SRPS ISO/IEC 17025 standard.

The results of analyses conducted in the laboratory are applied in:

• Optimization of combustion processes in thermal power plants, cement plants and boiler facilities
• Improving energy efficiency by identifying fuels with optimal thermal characteristics
• Reducing emissions of harmful substances into the air
• Developing new technologies for processing and utilizing coal and other fuels, as well as combustion by-products
• Waste management, including assessing the potential of waste for energy recovery

In recent years, special attention has been devoted to environmental protection. By determining the content of sulfur, nitrogen, heavy metals and other harmful components in fuels and combustion products, the laboratory contributes to assessing the impact of industry on ecosystems and human health. In this manner, the laboratory’s activities go beyond classical fuel testing and characterization, gaining importance in ecology and sustainable development.

The laboratory is equipped with modern instruments that enable valid determination of fuel characterization and quality parameters for both household and industrial applications, including:

• Moisture and combustible matter content – combustion efficiency assessment
• Ash content – evaluation of inorganic residue
• Volatile matter content – fuel classification
• Fixed carbon and calorific value – energy classification
• Determination of C, H, N, S and O – energy classification and ecological emission assessment
• Macro- and microelement content in coal, ash, and slag and ash fusion point – construction, mineral raw materials industry and waste management processes
• Particle Size analysis– fuel classification for industrial and domestic use
• Hardgrove Grindability index (HGI) – fuel transport and industry
• Bulk and volumetric density – fuel storage

The laboratory uses equipment from reputable manufacturers and analyses are conducted according to national and international reference standards.

Its most valuable resource is its staff. Skilled and competent chemists and chemical technicians operate measurement and auxiliary equipment, apply testing methods and through teamwork ensure smooth laboratory operations, valid results and continuous improvement of the accredited laboratory system and integrated management system. With professionalism, efficiency and reliable results, the laboratory has earned the trust of major clients and numerous references, including coal mines (surface and underground) in Serbia and neighboring countries, thermal power plants of EPS, regional energy systems and institutions connected to solid fuels. Valid test results have been applied in numerous reports, studies and technical solutions, among which the most significant are:

• Measurement of pollutant emissions in thermal power plants across Serbia
• Testing the potential use of ash and slag from thermal power plants in construction
• Development and application of technologies for transport and disposal of ash and slag and assessment of their environmental impact
• Geological exploration of coal deposits in Serbia, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

The laboratory participates in domestic and international projects and serves as an educational platform for technical faculty students. Through collaboration with academic institutions and industry, it contributes to the development of sustainable energy solutions and the advancement of fuel characterization methodologies.

In modern society, facing the challenges of energy transition and climate change, the role of the Solid Fuels Laboratory is of greater importance. Beyond classical analyses of coal, coke, biofuels and combustion products, future priorities include:

• Research of alternative fuels and their environmental impact
• Development of technologies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions
• Characterization of waste from mining and energy industries for recycling and circular economy
• Implementing advanced analytical instruments and digital tools for data processing

The history and achievements of our laboratory testify to our commitment, expertise and a constant continuous drive for improvement. Its projects and references are not merely results of work—they embody knowledge, commitment and values. This extensive experience forms the foundation of our mission to connect and bridge knowledge, practice and innovation in order to contribute to energy security, ecological sustainability and scientific progress.