Initial assessment of air pollution from electricity generation using renewable energy and management in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this study are 1) to investigate air pollution produced from electricity generation using renewable energies of a VSPP (very small power producer) and to assess the air pollution incurred in each process 2) to investigate the air pollution management of the renewable energy power plants studied; and 3) to suggest appropriate air pollution management for the power plants in each process of their electricity generation. Data are collected using in-depth interviews with the environmental management personnel of the 13 renewable energy power plants studied. The results show that in the scope of this study, wind and solar energies do not produce air pollution problems compared to other renewable energies. Biomass and refuse derived energies produce more air pollution in each process of the electricity generation especially the combustion process. Measures in the air pollution management are suggested as follows: 1) Regarding transportation, there should be a system in following up and supervising the transportation of the raw materials to the plant and measures in preventing particulate emissions and the spillage of the raw materials along the way. 2) Regarding storage, the raw materials should be stored in a proper condition and the storehouse should be located far away from a residential community; and 3) Regarding electricity generation, the technology employed should be efficient resulting in complete combustion and there should be an appropriate system in treating the pollutants resulting from the combustion. © 2012 WIT Press.