Controlling Mercury Emissions from Coal-Fired Power Plants Using TOXECON

摘要

It is estimated that coal-fired power plants in the United States emit approximately 45 tons of mercury annually. EPA's determination in 2000 to regulate mercury emissions from coal-fired plants has resulted in increased research and development into new technologies needed to comply with the anticipated regulations. While the regulations have not yet been proposed, it is expected that existing sources may have to achieve mercury control efficiencies of 50-90%. In order to encourage emission control research, Congress established the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI) Program in 2002. The goal of the program is to accelerate the commercial deployment of advanced coal-based technologies that can generate clean, reliable, and affordable electricity in the United States. The CCPI Program provides cost-sharing funding for commercial-scale demonstration projects. The funded projects are ". . . to showcase ways in which coal-fired power plants could continue to generate low-cost electricity with better performance and in compliance with more stringent environmental standards." The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) administers the program.