Emission-Limit-Oriented Strategy To Control Atmospheric Mercury Emissions in Coal-Fired Power Plants toward the Implementation of the Minamata Convention

Abstract

Emission limit is a significant index of pollution control in most countries. However, the determination of a reasonable limit value and corresponding supported technical paths is always a challenge during the implementation procedure. In this study, we developed an emission-limit-oriented strategy which links the emission limit with reduction amount via technical paths, so as to control the Hg emissions in the coal-fired power plants in China. Results indicate that tightening the emission limit does not always guarantee the reduction of Hg amounts, especially when coal consumptions keep increasing during the economic growth period. By comprehensively considering the feasibility of different technical paths, the emission limit of 5 μg/m³ is recommended to be executed in 2025. Under the guidance of this limit, the reduction amount of emitted Hg will reach as large as 63 t during 2015–2025 by primarily using multipollutant control measures. During 2025–2030, both alternative energy measures and specific Hg removal measures will be applied to achieve the emission limit of 1 μg/m³ in 2030. The assessment method developed in this study can be used to establish the emission-limit-oriented control strategies in other countries or industries, which will assist the success of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.