Emissions reduction scenarios from the coal sector

Addressing climate change urgently requires global action. Transitioning to non-fossil fuel energy is crucial to reduce reliance on pollution-intensive sources like coal-fired power plants (CFPP) and coal-fired industrial boilers (CFIB). While striving to reduce emissions, countries need to carefully weigh this objective against factors such as energy security, employment, and economic growth.
The recent International Energy Agency (IEA) Coal Market Uptake report highlights the global energy crisis due to ongoing global unrest. Emerging economies show sustained demand for coal, with key points including:

• Global coal demand surged in 2022 due to energy market volatility and reduced nuclear and hydropower production.
• China and India collectively contribute double the coal consumption of all other countries.
• China's coal demand is driven by both electricity generation and the industrial sector.
• India's coal demand grew twice as much as China's, reaching over 1.1 billion tonnes.
• Indonesia became the fifth-largest coal consumer, also driven by increased demand from the steel and metallurgy sector.
• Global coal demand for electricity may remain stable, but with ongoing reliance on energy provision from this sector in China, South- and Southeast Asia.
• Emerging economies grapple with meeting energy demands and combating climate change. Balancing energy security with sustainability requires a shift to cleaner alternatives, adopting best environmental practices, and international support for a just transition to renewables.

Coal and mercury (Hg)

Mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and industrial boilers are a major concern, ranking second only to artisanal gold mining. Implementing measures to reduce mercury release is vital for human and ecosystem health, showcasing the Minamata Convention's effectiveness in coal-dependent countries.

While Coal-fired power plants (CFPP) capacity and CO2 emissions may peak by 2030-2035 with planned retirements, global mercury emissions are expected to decrease. Aging plants are being replaced by modern, efficient ones, especially in China, a major coal consumer. However, uncertainties persist due to conflicting pressures to move away from fossil fuels and emerging economies' continued reliance on them.

Air pollution control devices (APCDs) designed for particulate matter, sulfur, and nitrogen emissions effectively control mercury emissions. Balancing the need for such controls with the risk of stranded assets amid global shifts away from fossil fuels is crucial for sustainable energy transitions.

Coal and persistent organic pollutants (POP)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), like dioxins and furans, emitted from coal-fired power plants and industrial boilers, pose environmental and health risks due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. The Stockholm Convention provides a crucial framework to globally reduce emissions of these pollutants.

While volumetric concentrations of Annex C-listed chemicals in emissions are generally low, the total mass emissions from the boiler sector can be significant due to widespread fossil fuel combustion. Similar to mercury reduction, mitigating POPs in the coal combustion sector offers a co-benefit achieved through modern furnace design, conventional air pollution control devices (APCDs), and a comprehensive multi-pollutant control system. This has led to a reduction in dioxin and furan pollutants since the 1990s (WHO, 2003). However, caution is advised for plants using high-chlorine coal, low-sulfur content, or blending alternative fuel sources like biomass, as they may risk generating POPs through de novo synthesis.

Coal and greenhouse gasses (GHG)

Coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) and industrial boilers (CFIBs) contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxin (CO2), intensifying climate change. This reliance on coal poses a formidable challenge to climate mitigation efforts. The effectiveness of Paris Agreement commitments is crucial for a global shift to cleaner energy, with emerging economies relying on international support while navigating the risk of stranded fossil fuel assets to meet current energy demands.

Recent developments at COP28 reflect a shift from "phasing out" fossil fuels to measures targeting both consumption and production reduction. This suggests that new fossil fuel projects may proceed with improved technologies, while reduced consumption could accelerate infrastructure retirement. In this context, it is essential to identify specific areas within each country's economy where reductions, facilitated by Best Available Techniques (BAT) / Best Environmental Practices (BEP), and increased adoption of renewable energy, can maximize the global environmental impact.

Addressing climate change requires a holistic approach that combines international collaboration, technological advancements, and strategic reductions in fossil fuel dependency. As the global community navigates the complex landscape of energy transition, emphasizing both cleaner technologies and reduced consumption becomes pivotal for achieving meaningful environmental outcomes.