Emission Reduction Accounting for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 by Renewable Energy Power Generation

Developing renewable energy power generation is an important measure of Action Plan for Air Pollution Prevention and Control, which is helpful to promote PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 emission reduction and improve air quality. From life cycle perspective, the PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 emission factors of all kinds of renewable energy power generation are lower than coal-fired thermal power generation. The PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 reduction factor of unit power generation of different kinds of renewable energy power generation are in descending order of hydro power, grid connected wind power, solar power, and biomass power. According to life cycle assessment results, a reduction of 3.787×105 t/a PM₁₀ and 1.894×10⁵ t/a PM_2.5 was realized by replacing coal-fired thermal power generation with renewable energy power generation in 2012, showing a good effect of emission reduction. There should be a greater reduction potential in the future, with a reduction of 4.421×10⁵ t/a PM₁₀ and 2.210×10⁵ t/a PM_2.5 in 2015 and 6.541×10⁵ t/a PM₁₀ and 3.271×10⁵ t/a PM_2.5 in 2020.