MIT research: Chinese coal infrastructure is modern
A November 1 article in POWER Magazine relates the findings of recent MIT research which investigates the rapid development of coal-fueled generation throughout China.
Report authors argue that the pollution concerns in China cannot be reasonably linked to the design of the coal-fueled stations — which are apparently use advanced technologies. Pollution concerns can, however, be raised over how managers choose to operate the country’s new energy infrastructure. The report found that while advanced boiler designs and state-of-art pollution mitigation measures were included in new plant construction, operators quite often use coal that is not suited to the boiler and then idle scrubbers, and other emissions control equipment.
The end result is that despite the advanced nature of the equipment, it’s misuse causes pollution concerns.