Proximate analysis of Lakhra coal power plant and its health and environmental impact

Abstract

ABSTRACT Pakistan is one of the coal rich countries but only adds 10% of electricity to the national grid from coal fired power plants while major sources are, Hydel, LNG, Furnace oil, and natural gas. Prior to the discovery of Thar coal reservoirs, Lakhra was the largest coal field of Brown Lignite coal with high ash and sulfur contents, i.e. 30% and 7%, respectively. The power generation capacity of the plant is 150 MW. Study conducted revealed that all the existing values of un-washed coal found (High Ash, Low Moisture, Low Fixed Carbon, High Sulfur, and Low Calorific value) while the washed coal values found (Low Ash, Low Moisture, High Fixed Carbon, Low Sulfur, and High Heating value). The emission of hazardous gases and particles by using unwashed coal adversely affect the environment and human health whereas washed coal exhibited relatively low level emissions of these pollutants. It was observed that the washed coal of Lakhra is more feasible to save the environment as well as Cost Benefit for production of electricity.