Ready-to-implement low-carbon retrofit of coal-fired power plants in China: Optimal scenarios selection based on sludge and photovoltaic utilization

Abstract

Currently the flexible demand for high proportion penetration of renewable energy depends on coal-fired units (CFUs), and the large-scale phase-out of CFUs in a short time is not realistic in China. Due to urban expansion, approximately 458 Chinese coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are now located in cities. Limited by space, urban CFUs face difficulty in becoming equipped with carbon capture and storage systems. This presents a sizeable challenge for the low-carbon transition of urban CFPPs and carbon neutral processes. Here, we present a ready-to-implement method to reduce the carbon emission of CFPPs in limited space: roof photovoltaic-assisted power generation combined with sludge co-combustion for coal-fired power generation systems (PVSCs). We also consider nonurban CFPPs with the method of roof photovoltaic-assisted power generation (PVs) only. Based on remaining life cycle analysis, we find that the PVSCs could save 28.47 Mt of coal, reduce CO2 emissions by 69.76 Mt, treat 125.70 Mt of sludge, and also generate 12.08 billion RMB worth of electricity revenue per year. In addition, our scenario analysis shows that PVSCs are more profitable when choosing an urban CFU with a remaining life of more than 12 years and while the sludge treatment subsidy is set at 100 RMB t−1. Under strict and lenient CFU decommissioning policies, CFUs with a remaining life of between 19 and 30 years and between 13 and 24 years should be selected for PVs, respectively. Thus, we conclude that PVSCs can not only generate economic benefits but also facilitate carbon reduction and solid waste treatment.