Carbon flow cost control of coal-fired power plant based on “energy flow-value flow” analysis

Abstract

In response to the commitment that China will begin a comprehensive national carbon emissions trading system in 2017, and considering the needs of a green development strategy, in this paper we adopt a coal-fired power generation company as the research object to study its typical carbon emissions characteristics. Through theoretical analysis and modelling dominated by energy characteristics, the energy flow analysis is separated from the material flow analysis, and we construct an “energy flow-value flow” analysis model. Based on the link between energy use and carbon flow, we divide carbon flow cost into two parts: low carbon control costs and internal and external damage costs. A quality cost control idea is introduced to build a quantitative carbon flow cost control model, and we study the relationship between the total cost of carbon flow and the control of carbon pollution. The case calculation shows that coal enterprises should begin by examining their energy flow, invest reasonably in measures to control carbon, improve their energy efficiency, enhance their control of carbon flow costs and actively focus on relevant policies that control carbon flow effectively; following this process will allow them to be proactive in the new carbon market.