Co-control of local air pollutants and CO2 from the Chinese coal-fired power industry

The coal-fired power industry in China is confronted with pressing local air pollution and CO2 control issues. This study explores the opportunity of co-controlling local air pollutants and CO2 in the context of the Chinese coal-fired power industry, with an integrated multi-pollutant co-control strategy decision-making framework. Reduction technologies and measures are evaluated through the use of unit costs of pollution reduction (UCPR), and the most cost-effective abatement routes are then designed. Our analysis shows that energy-saving technologies and structure-adjustment measures are the most favoured options in terms of co-control effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, while end-of-pipe control measures are the least preferred. Integrated multi-pollutant reduction co-control routes are more cost-effective (and desirable) than single-pollutant reduction routes, meaning that co-control strategies hold more potential in terms of multi-pollutant control effectiveness and monetary benefits. The sensitivity analysis verifies the robustness of the results to changing parameters. Although co-control strategies are attractive and effective, there are policy barriers to their implementation. Certain policy modifications should be enacted to promote co-control for the Chinese coal-fired power industry.