Energy technologies at the National Theater: modernization in the fifth basement

Last week, the inspection day at the National Theater was attended by Jan Burian, General Director of the National Theater, Václav Pelouch, Director of Technical and Operational Management, together with their colleagues from TPS, Jan Míka and Miroslav Růžička. Representing ENETIQA Solutions s.r.o., the company implementing the project, were its managing director Valentýn Avramov and project manager Jindřich Hála.

The project involves several fundamental changes. New heat pumps have been installed in the cooling machine room, gradually replacing the original equipment. Together with the modernized piping system and modifications to the technology in the Vltava water intake facility, they will provide cooling and heating with greater efficiency and flexibility than before.

Another important part of the modernization is the installation of new condensing gas boilers, which have replaced the original equipment. Another significant change will be the commissioning of cogeneration units. These are capable of simultaneously producing electricity and heat, which is then used in the operation of buildings. The electricity produced will primarily serve the needs of the National Theater complex and, if necessary, can also function as a backup energy source.

In order to use energy as efficiently as possible, a new heat storage system has also been created underground. Twelve large-capacity tanks, which weigh more than 100 tons when full, function in principle like a giant thermos. The heat produced, for example, by cogeneration units is stored in them and can be used when it is needed in the buildings.

The project also includes the modernization of the ventilation system in the historic building, which also affects the units for the auditorium. Measurement and control systems are also being gradually renewed, and lighting is being replaced in many places.

The entire project is largely hidden beneath the surface, and neither the audience nor most of the employees will notice it during a normal working day. Nevertheless, it is a fundamental change to the infrastructure that ensures the daily operation of the theater—from the comfort of the auditorium to stable technical conditions and the safety of the entire complex.

The fifth basement thus remains a hidden place for most of us. However, it is there that modern technical facilities are being created today that will literally keep the National Theater running in the coming years.

The sustainability of the National Theater is supported by the FEDORA Platform and co-financed by the European Union.