AQE 2018 Busiest show in 15 years!

摘要

2018 also saw AQE combine with its sister event WWEM (Water, Wastewater & Environmental Monitoring). With both events running in the same place, visitors with environmental responsibilities were able to pass freely between the two events and around 80% of visitors did so. The synergy that this created was a major factor in the 19% growth in visitor numbers at AQE 2018. The STA (Source Testing Association) Conference focused on the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD), which came into force on 20th December 2018. The MCPD applies to generators and plants between 1 and 50 MW (net rated thermal input) and an impact assessment has estimated that between 30,000 and 35,000 of these plants are currently operating in the UK alone. The estimated number of MCPs in the EU is around 143,000. From 20th December 2018 new UK plants need to be registered or have obtained a permit and comply with emission limit values (ELVs) for sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and dust. The ELVs to be applied are dependent on plant, fuel type and size. Existing plants (i.e. those which were in operation before 20th December 2018) must be registered or have obtained a permit. They must comply with the requirements from 2024 or 2029, depending mostly on size, with the aim of full implementation by 2030. Covering all perspectives in the power generation sector, the MCPD Conference speakers included John Henderson, who leads on the implementation of the MCPD for the Environment Agency, David Graham from Uniper, Stewart Davies from Viridor, and the Combustion Engineers Association. The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) seminar focused on solutions for the management and delivery of Clean Air Zones. Dan Williams from Johnson Matthey set the scene by describing the work of the EIC Air Quality Working Group, and this was followed by an update on feasibility studies, CAZ cost/benefit analysis and technology solutions from Guy Hitchcock, Knowledge Leader to CAZ for Ricardo Energy & Environment. Jim Mills from Air Monitors then described the measurement and reporting of air quality in CAZs, including the role of low cost sensor networks.