Technological influences and abatement strategies for industrial sulphur dioxide in China

摘要

Industrial SO2 is the most important air pollutant in China. This paper outlines the technological impacts on industrial SO2 emissions in China in terms of: amount, intensity, structure of energy consumption and structure of energy-intensive industries. It shows that industrial SO2 emissions have linear growth alongside increases in energy consumption, particularly the rise in coal consumption. The contribution of technological factors to decreases in the intensity of energy consumption is 25%, while the structural factor is 75%. The power industry accounts for 52.6% of total industrial SO2. Optimisation of the structure of energy consumption can reduce SO2 emissions by 1.98 million tonnes per year. We propose the following technological strategies for industrial SO2 abatement: adjustment of the system and structure of thermal power generating units, acceleration of flue gas desulphurisation projects, transformation of industrial structures, development of eco-industries and a reduction in energy consumption per unit product. In addition, an effective way to abate industrial SO2 emissions is to promote governance strategies to stricly enforce SO2 emission standards, conduct emission trading, and formulate incentives for encouraging cleaner production and clean energy development.