Study Quantifies CO2 Emissions Induced by Air Pollution Control Devices in China

Highlights

  • CO2 emissions induced by air pollution control devices are quantified.
  • A plant-level CO2 emission inventory is compiled.
  • Future emissions under diverse climate targets are simulated.
  • Hotspots of future emissions are identified.

To deal with this issue, China has established a number of environmental restrictions, including the widespread deployment of air pollution control devices (APCDs) in CFPPs. While APCDs have successfully decreased air pollutants, their use of electricity has resulted in indirect CO2 emissions. The magnitude of these CO2 emissions has remained unknown, pushing experts to dive more into this underappreciated environmental issue.

Researchers from Shandong University conducted a study that revealed that the proportion of APCD CO2 emissions in total emissions from CFPPs increased from 0.12% in 2000 to 1.19% in 2020, according to a new study published in Volume 17 of the journal Environmental Science and Ecotechnology. Notably, desulfurization devices accounted for nearly 80% of APCD CO2 emissions in 2020, followed by dust removal and denitration devices.

The researchers also estimated future APCD CO2 emissions under several scenarios, emphasising the importance of CFPP longevity on emissions. They identified the provinces of Nei Mongol, Shanxi, and Shandong as possible hotspots for high emissions caused by large-scale newly built CFPPs. To address this rising environmental challenge, the researchers offered a number of solutions, including increasing APCD energy efficiency and delivering low-carbon electricity via photovoltaic power or biomass co-firing with coal.

They emphasised the importance of conducting full environmental impact assessments to ensure that initiatives aiming at lowering air pollutants do not increase CO2 emissions inadvertently. Furthermore, the study’s research framework provides useful insights for other emission-intensive industries like steel production and garbage incineration.

The study’s findings emphasised the significance of implementing integrated measures to reduce both air pollution and carbon emissions. The findings are expected to educate politicians, industry players, and environmentalists alike, opening the way for more educated and comprehensive remedies to China’s environmental concerns.

Source: english.cas.cn

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