First Batch of 11 Flue Gas Desulfurization Projects for Thermal Power Plants Launched in China

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The signing ceremony for the first batch of 11 pilot projects for flue gas desulfurization in thermal power plants for franchise operation was held in Beijing in mid-January. Xie Zhenhua, vice director of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Zhang Lijun, vice director of the State Environment Protection Administration, among other leaders from the top five nationwide power producers and the State Grid Corporation of China, attended the ceremony.

China's government has prioritized the control of atmospheric pollution, Xie Zhenhua said. As proposed in the 11th five-year plan (2006-10), the volume of SO2 emissions will be reduced 10% during the 11th plan. The control on SO2 emissions in power plants is the key to achieving the nation's goal. In the past two years, various measures were carried out to promote the construction of flue gas desulfurization projects in thermal power plants. By the end of 2007, the total installed capacity of units furnished with such devices surpassed 270 million kilowatts. Swift development in the flue gas desulfurization industry has contributed greatly in decreasing SO2 emissions in China beginning in mid-2006.

However, some problems, including low construction quality, low in-service rates and low professional service and operation levels, have plagued the industry. Franchise operation of flue gas desulfurization would hand over construction, operation, maintenance and daily management to a professional desulfurization company based on the policies granted by the government. Franchise operations will likely improve the quality and in-service rates of desulfurization projects, achieve better business for power plants, and promote the technical and management innovation of desulfurization companies, Xie Zhenhua said.

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