Presentation Title
Emissions of Air Pollutants from Coal-fired Power Plants in China: Past, Present and Future
Location
Council Chambers
Start Date
11-10-2013 3:45 PM
End Date
11-10-2013 5:15 PM
Abstract
China’s stunning economic growth has resulted in an increasing electric power generation. In 2010, China generated about 4,208 Terawatt hours of electricity, among which 78 percent was fueled by coal. Although coal plays dominant role in power generation, it is not environment friendly. The emissions of air pollutants from the coal-power plants include air toxins such as surfer dioxides, carbon dioxides, and heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead. Carbon dioxide from the electricity sector is responsible for around 25% of anthropogenic greenhouse gases, which many believe is the primary cause of global warming. Emissions of sulfur dioxide contribute to acid rain and emissions of nitrous oxides and particulate matter results in urban area smog.
As one of the largest contributors to air pollution in the world, China is aware of the serious environmental consequences and has taken series of actions. Effective from January 2012, the Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Thermal Power Plants (GB13223-2011) increased the stringency of limitations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and mercury. Meanwhile, China is piloting carbon cap and trade scheme in five major cities and two provinces. This research seeks to address the following questions: How would these policy changes influence the production of coal-fueled power generation? What kinds of strategies should coal power plants take?
Emissions of Air Pollutants from Coal-fired Power Plants in China: Past, Present and Future
Council Chambers
China’s stunning economic growth has resulted in an increasing electric power generation. In 2010, China generated about 4,208 Terawatt hours of electricity, among which 78 percent was fueled by coal. Although coal plays dominant role in power generation, it is not environment friendly. The emissions of air pollutants from the coal-power plants include air toxins such as surfer dioxides, carbon dioxides, and heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead. Carbon dioxide from the electricity sector is responsible for around 25% of anthropogenic greenhouse gases, which many believe is the primary cause of global warming. Emissions of sulfur dioxide contribute to acid rain and emissions of nitrous oxides and particulate matter results in urban area smog.
As one of the largest contributors to air pollution in the world, China is aware of the serious environmental consequences and has taken series of actions. Effective from January 2012, the Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Thermal Power Plants (GB13223-2011) increased the stringency of limitations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and mercury. Meanwhile, China is piloting carbon cap and trade scheme in five major cities and two provinces. This research seeks to address the following questions: How would these policy changes influence the production of coal-fueled power generation? What kinds of strategies should coal power plants take?
Comments
Presentation is included in Panel 8: Environment and Sustainable Development in Asia