Study on SO2 emission mitigation of thermal power plants in China

With the rapid development of electricity production, SO
2
from coal-fired power stations causes severe air pollution problem. In 1997, the SO
2
emitted from thermal power plants reached 7.,0 Mt, accounting for about 33% of the national emissions. At present and in the future, thermal power stations will still be the primary pollution sources. The Chinese government and power departments accord considerable importance to the SO
2
emissions from thermal power plants. New sets of environmentally friendly policies have been formulated. But, enforcement of laws and regulations needs to be further improved and broadened, especially those responding to market conditlons. This paper focuses particular attention on the analysis of strategy, policies, and measures that have been or should be taken against SO
2
emissions from thermal power plants so as to achieve the environmental protection targets, on the basis of which the technical options for the future are given.