The Carbon Footprint Analysis of Thermal Power Plants

Abstract

Thermal power plant is the main CO2 emission source in China. This paper discusses the carbon footprint of a thermal power plant in Liaoning province of China based on LCA (Life Cycle Assessment. The reviewed thermal power plants total carbon footprint is about 6.52 million tons, of which 90.23% are from fuel combustion. The onsite emission is 5.91 million tons which depends on the power plants technology level and energy efficiency. In order to alleviate carbon emissions at the power enterprise level, an integrated effort should be taken, including the optimization of energy structures, improvement of energy efficiency and technology level. Recommendations for thermal power plant management are that companies should make full use of geographical advantages and adopt high-quality fuels actively.