Environmental Considerations for UK Steam Plant in the 1990s—A Manufacturer's View

Abstract

The international and global consequences of polluting emissions from power generating plants have led to increased political pressure for corrective action. This in turn has prompted considerable effort to develop new technologies that are economical in the production and use of energy, and cause minimum pollution. Political factors such as privatization, nuclear policy and government views on strategic diversity of supply further complicate the environmental issues facing the manufacturer in deciding a business strategy. This paper takes a wide-ranging view of these issues, presenting data in a simplified form to help in the decision-making process. The major pollutants from power generation are the acid rain gases (SO2, NOx, HCl), secondary liquid and solid wastes (gypsum etc.) and greenhouse gases (CO2). These are summarized in tables showing their origin, effect and means of control. Control of these pollutants can be effected by (a) limiting the demand for energy, (b) selection of non-polluting sources (for example tidal, wind), (c) switching fuels (for example gas, low-sulphur coal), (d) a choice of combustion and clean-up technology. Each of these major options is reviewed to assess their potential benefits and also their limitations. The vulnerability of some options to political action is noted. The technology options are considered in more detail to enable comparisons to be made. The presentation of data in summary form is designed to simplify the cross-reference between each technology and its pollution impact. Development time-scales and commercial issues are also taken into account. In this very complex picture there are not many stable elements on which the manufacturer can build a business plan for short-term equipment supply or longer-term investment in technology. However, this paper gives some perspective to the issues, so that the interaction between technical solutions and economic and political factors can be given due consideration.