What are the air quality challenges caused by modern coal-fired power plants?
Author : kumar shrey | Published On : 22 Jan 2024
Coal-fired power plants are considered to be a major source of air pollution, radiating substantial amounts of pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), and mercury (Hg). These pollutants contribute to different health and environmental hazards, including climate change and respiratory problems.
The global air pollution control system for coal-fired power plants market is encountering significant growth due to the growing concerns regarding the environmental influence of coal-fired power generation. The rising focus on sustainable energy and the necessity to lower greenhouse gas emissions are propelling the demand for air pollution control systems for the coal-fired power plants market.
These systems, including technologies such as fabric filters, electrostatic precipitators, and flue gas desulfurization, assist in removing harmful pollutants from the flue gases produced during coal combustion. In addition to this, according to the research report of Astute Analytica, the global air pollution control system for coal-fired power plants market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2031.
The air quality challenges caused by modern coal-fired power plants are: –
Undone pollutant removal
Emission control technologies like SCR and FGD, are not perfect and may still let a specific percentage of pollutants be released. The efficiency of these systems can also be influenced by factors such as maintenance practices, functional conditions, and the quality of the coal being burned.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions
While baghouses and ESPs are efficient in capturing larger particulate matter (PM10), they are less influential in catching smaller particles like PM2.5. These fine particles can infiltrate deep into the lungs and have been related to different cardiovascular and respiratory health problems.
Heavy metals and trace elements
Coal-fired power plants emit different heavy metals and trace metals like chromium, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. While modern coal-fired power plants use mercury control technologies like activated carbon injection (ACI), not all plants are made with these systems. Also, ACI may not be as useful in capturing other toxic metals.
Greenhouse gas emissions
One of the most consequential air quality challenges led by coal-fired power plants is their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2). While carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can decrease CO2 emissions, it is not however widely embraced due to technical complicatedness and high costs.
Secondary pollutants
The emission control technologies utilized in modern coal-fired power plants may inadvertently emit secondary pollutants. For instance, FGD systems can develop wastewater having high levels of pollutants, which, if not suitably treated, can pollute water sources. Also, SCR systems can create ammonia slip, which can respond to other pollutants in the atmosphere to create secondary particulate matter.
Strategies to mitigate air quality challenges caused by modern coal-fired power plants: –
- Air monitoring experts play a necessary role in determining air quality problems and assuring adherence to emission standards.
- Precise and regular monitoring of emissions can assist in identifying issues early and immediate corrective action can be taken.
- Investments in R&D for cleaner coal technologies like ultra-supercritical (USC) power plants and integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC), can result in lower emissions and enhanced air quality. These technologies can improve plant efficiency and decrease pollutant emissions.
