Expanded Coal Use and Environmental Impacts

Abstract

As an expanded use of coal is expected in the following years, its environmental implications have been discussed in detail.
Based on the Government long-term energy supply-demand forecasting, the role of coal as a substitute for petroleum among primary energy sources has first been identified. The predominant use of coal is anticipated to take place mainly in the field of power generation. In 1990, approximately 42 million tons of fuel coal, mostly imported, will be consumed annually for combustion at powergenerating plants.
Potential environmental impacts to be accompanied by this expanded use of coal at power plants have been estimated. In particular, possible emission of air pollutants including SO_x, NO_x, particulates, and trace elements, has been summarized in comparison with the case of oil use. All numbers are quoted from an earlier study of Japan Environment Agency. Ash production and its treatment have also been discussed.
To minimize the environmental impacts of coal use, a number of pollution abatement measures are to be taken. Again, assuming the largest use of coal in utility, currently available control technology including ash utilization has been briefly reviewed.