Economic and Environmental Costs of Regulatory Uncertainty for Coal-Fired Power Plants

Mercury policy and regulations for coal-fired power plants.

INTRODUCTION Mercury is a high-priority regulatory concern because of its persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment and evidence of its having serious adverse effects on the neurological development of children. DISCUSSION Mercury is released into the atmosphere from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Coal-fired utilities are considered to be one of the largest anthropogenic mer...

Techno-economic assessment of polymer membrane systems for postcombustion carbon capture at coal-fired power plants.

This study investigates the feasibility of polymer membrane systems for postcombustion carbon dioxide (CO(2)) capture at coal-fired power plants. Using newly developed performance and cost models, our analysis shows that membrane systems configured with multiple stages or steps are capable of meeting capture targets of 90% CO(2) removal efficiency and 95+% product purity. A combined driving for...

Economic analysis of atmospheric mercury emission control for coal-fired power plants in China.

Coal combustion and mercury pollution are closely linked, and this relationship is particularly relevant in China, the world's largest coal consumer. This paper begins with a summary of recent China-specific studies on mercury removal by air pollution control technologies and then provides an economic analysis of mercury abatement from these emission control technologies at coal-fired power pla...

Advanced Emissions Control Technologies for Coal-Fired Power Plants

Mercury Control Alternatives for Coal-fired Power Plants

Coal-fired power plants in the United States may have to reduce their mercury emissions by up to 90% by 2007 2009 due to proposed regulations that could affect up to 1,100 utility boilers. Air pollution control system components such as electrostatic precipitators, baghouses, NOx reduction catalysts, SO2 scrubbers, and their various configurations in utility applications significantly impact me...