2021 Power Plant Emissions for NOx, SO2, Hg
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released publicly available, annual data on 2021 emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and mercury from power plants in the lower 48 states. Emissions in 2021 were higher than 2020, reflecting a rebound in coal-fired generation as natural gas prices and energy demand increased. However, compared to 2019, 2021 emissions fell between 3% and 11%, reflecting the long-standing trend of decreasing annual emissions.
Compared to 2020, the 2021 data show a 6% increase in NOx emissions, a 20% increase in SO2 emissions, a 7% increase in CO2 emissions, and a 13% increase in mercury emissions. Additionally, ozone season (May 1 to September 30) NOX emissions increased by 5%. Overall, based on the first 11 months of 2021, electricity demand increased by 3% compared to 2020.
Long-term declines in emissions are due primarily to changes in the mix of fuels used in electricity generation. While data from 2021 showed a one-year 16% increase in coal generation and a 3% decrease in natural gas generation, there is a shift underway from higher emitting to lower and zero emitting generation.
EPA collects detailed SO2, NOX, CO2, and mercury emission data and other information from power plants across the country, as part of ARP, the CSAPR Programs, and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS). Emissions data collected through these programs are posted online and accessible to the public in summary form.
To find out more about how to save money on emission testing required for Power Plants, including the Acid Rain Program, Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR and RCU) and Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) contact ESS.
The EPA is proposing a federal plan that would cut pollution from power plants and industrial sources that significantly contribute to unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, or smog, for millions of Americans who live downwind.
The U.S. EPA signed an amendment to the rule on February 28, 2022 that removes the stay of the formaldehyde limit for lean premix and diffusion flame gas-fired units that were constructed or reconstructed after January 14, 2003.
“What’s in my CPM?” Many compounds can condense and form particulate matter at ambient conditions. Identifying which compound is most prevalent can help in determining control measures to reduce CPM.
The EPA announced a new effort under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to modernize the process and bring innovative science to the review of new chemicals before they can enter the marketplace.
