Research on Carbon Emission Characteristics of a Typical Ultra-Low Emission Coal-Fired Power Plant

• DOI: 10.1007/s44408-025-00012-2
• Publication Date: 2025-04-16T15:04:16Z
• Authors: Xinrong Yan; Yang Zhang; Yonglong Yang; Jianping Jiang; Zhen Du; Dong Guo; Qiaoli Wang; Weihong Wu; Xiang Gao

Abstract

Objective This study aims to improve carbon emission accounting accuracy and provide optimized emission factors for ultra-low emission coal-fired power plants by detailed carbon emission accounting and carbon balance analysis based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method.

Methods Emissions were calculated via coal combustion activity and LCA respectively, with carbon balance tracking and correlation analysis of influencing factors (coal consumption, efficiency).

Results Weekly emissions peaked midweek, LCA reduced estimates by 0.19 MtCO2, coal contributed 95.4% of carbon inputs, and strong correlations (r = 0.98–0.99) supported emission factors (1.52 tCO2/t coal, 0.75 tCO2/MWh generation).

Conclusion Optimized emission factors enable efficient accounting, while prioritizing high-calorific coal and unit efficiency upgrades reduces emissions, with LCA offering a more holistic assessment for sustainable management.

Graphical Abstract