High Spatial Resolution Emission Inventory of Air Pollutants and Carbon in China’s Independent Coking Industry

Abstract

China is the largest producer and exporter of coke globally, which means that it is very important to understand the characteristics of air pollutants and carbon emissions from China’s independent coking industry. This study was the first to establish a bottom-up inventory of the air pollutants and carbon emissions of China’s independent coking industry during 2001–2018 based on continuous emission monitoring system online monitoring data and unit-based corporate information. Based on the developed emission inventory, four scenarios were established to analyze potential emissions reduction of air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) in future. The emissions of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) decreased by 62.11%, 63.41%, 72.85%, 63.41% and 63.41%, respectively. CO2, carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions increased by 355.51%, 355.51%, 355.51% and 99.74%, respectively. In 2018, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NOx, BC, OC, CO, VOCs and CO2 emissions were, respectively. 45.20, 16.91, 63.84, 117.71, 5.07, 5.92, 554.91, 1026.58 Gg, and 176.88 Tg. Shanxi province made the greatest contributions to the total emissions of air pollutants and CO2 from this industry by 25.01%. The emission source that contributed most to PM2.5 (SO2 and NOX) emissions was coke pushing (quenching and the coke oven chimney respectively) in 2018. Under the ULE scenario (2018–2035), PM2.5 and SO2 emissions will reduce by more than 30%. Under the PCP scenario, PM2.5 and SO2 emissions will reduce by more than 55%. Under the CBP scenario, CO2 emissions will peak at 197.99 Tg in 2025 and decrease to 70% of the peak in 2035. The results showed the emission characteristics of air pollutants and CO2, future emission with several scenarios and cooperative reduction potential in China’s independent coking industry, which provides scientific support for the development of pollution control strategies.