Power Generation and Air Pollution Control

ABSTRACT Exposure to air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM2.5), is strongly associated with adverse pulmonary and cardiovascular health outcomes, and pollution levels vary depending on the source of electricity generation. This study examined spatial variation in PM2.5 concentrations around different types of power plants across Europe using high‐resolution satellite‐derived air quality data and the Global Power Plant Database. The analysis used the 2023 measure of pollution levels across Europe based on the availability of data and included 9342 powerplants across multiple energy sources. PM2.5 concentrations were normalized relative to national average pollution levels to enable cross‐country comparison. The results indicate substantial differences in pollution levels between energy sources. Coal‐fired power plants showed among the highest relative PM (26.5% above country average), while renewable energy sources such as geothermal (−16.3% compared to national mean) and wind (0.3% below the country) were associated with substantially lower values. Considerable cross‐country variation was observed, with relative PM2.5 levels ranging from −1.8% in Portugal to 55.6% in Montenegro. The findings suggest that different energy sources are associated with distinct patterns of environmental exposure across Europe. The results highlight the relevance of energy transitions for improving environmental quality and provide a basis for future research on environmental inequality and pollution exposure.