Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Coal-Fired Power Plants

The environmental impact of coal-fired power plants is considered. The effect of coal combustion at a thermal power plant on the local area is assessed, and a method is developed for minimizing its impact by using coal of higher quality and optimizing the combustion conditions. Aspects of coal use during the restructuring of Donetsk Basin coal mines are discussed. Types of environmental pollution associated with coal-fired plants are noted. On the basis of engineering prediction and mathematical analysis, the current situation is assessed. Up-to-date information regarding coal mining and the power of thermal power stations in the Donetsk Basin is presented. The trends of environmental indices in the region are reviewed. It is shown that the environmental conditions in coal mining regions may be improved by using coal of higher quality at power plants. Models are proposed for the extracted value of the coal, taking account of electrical generation at thermal power plants. The conclusion is that using coal of higher quality will improve the reliability of power plants and also their economic and environmental performance.