Impact of regional power plants on air pollution in Russian cities
Abstract
The article discusses the main trends in the nature of atmospheric pollution by large thermal power plants. The stages of formation of the modern Russian energy system are identified. The power plants were built farther from the cities gradually shifting from large cities to medium and small cities and urbantype settlements. Regional electric power plants as a basic element of the country’s energy system are much more dependent on the economic situation than CHP plants. The amount of energy produced and the fuel consumption of regional electric power plants decreases faster in crisis years. The dynamics and structure of regional electric power plants emissions depend on three main factors, i. e. capacity utilization; fuel balance structure; and modernization and creation of new treatment facilities. The share of gas-burning plants in total emissions of regional power plants is three times less than their share in the total capacity. On the other hand, coal-based electricity generation accounts for 78% of emissions that is 2.7 times more than their share in the total capacity. The modern period is characterized mostly by modernization of the first-generation power plants rather than construction of new ones. Thus the emissions are reduced, their structure is transformed and the area of pollution becomes smaller. Case study of the impact of the Kashira regional power plant on the air quality shows that atmospheric emissions reduced significantly due to modernization. The main air pollutants near the Kashira regional power plant are particulate matters and sulphur dioxide, while carbon oxide is the least contributor to air pollution.
Keywords
Supporting agencies: The work was financially supported by the Russian Science Foundation (project no. 19-77-30004) and carried out within the framework of the Development Program of the Interdisciplinary Scientific and Educational School of the Lomonosov Moscow State University "The future of the planet and global environmental changes".
About the Authors
V. R. Bityukova
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Geography
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Professor, D.Sc. in Geography
V. S. Dehnich
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kazahstan Branch
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Department of Ecology and Nature Management, Lecturer
N. V. Petuhova
ERM Eurasia Ltd
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Consultant
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For citations:
Bityukova V.R., Dehnich V.S., Petuhova N.V. Impact of regional power plants on air pollution in Russian cities. Vestnik Moskovskogo universiteta. Seriya 5, Geografiya. 2021;(4):38-51. (In Russ.)
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