Cost estimate of the multi-pollutant abatement in coal-fired power sector in China

Highlights: • The additional cost of emission control in coal-fired power sector is acceptable. • High investment and energy and resource consumptions are the main barriers. • Regional costs of different scenarios are estimated at different standards. • Operation management can achieve the cost reduction. • Installing the pollutants abatement system in small capacity unit will cost more. Seriously stringent emission regulations are applied in the coal-fired power sector in China. GB13223-2011 standards and ultra-low emission limits are promulgated to improve the application of pollutant abatement systems and reduce emissions, respectively. However, the accompanying problem of additional economic burden may affect the operation of power units and sectors. This study proposed a cost estimate model of multi-pollutant control and designed several scenarios to evaluate the total cost of different emission standards in China's coal-fired power sector. The operating costs of NO_x, SO₂, and PM control of a typical 300 MW unit were 6.9, 11.7, and 4.3 CNY/MWh, respectively, when meeting the GB13223-2011 emission standard and 8.2, 13.8, and 7.9 CNY/MWh, respectively, when meeting the ultra-low emission limits. Investment, energy consumption, and catalyst greatly influenced the operating cost. The scenarios analysis suggested that the total costs of multi-pollutant control under the GB13223-2011 standards and ultra-low emission limits were approximately 141.79–170.28 and 186.35–221.67 billion CNY per year, respectively. Feasible cost reduction strategies were analyzed on the basis of operation management and sector planning. The economic influence of the application of pollutant abatement systems on coal-fired power units should be evaluated comprehensively.