Estimation of CO2 Mitigation Potential through Renewable Energy Generation

Energy is vital input for economy and social development in every society. Presently, the global primary energy demands are met largely from oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear and hydroelectric energy among which coal is dominant thermal power stations add to environmental degradation problems through gaseous emissions, particulate matter, fly ash, bottom ash, which are very harmful to human life. The proper siting, installation and operation of renewable and non-conventional energy power sources will help to control, replace and avoid adverse environmental impacts. The carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other gases released by burning fossil fuels contribute to the "green house" effect which cause global climate changes. Renewable energy sources mainly wind, small hydro, biomass and solar photovoltaic (SPY) etc. are the most suitable means to achieve the mitigation of CO₂ emission. This study gives estimation of CO₂ mitigation potential of renewable energy sources in comparison with pollution caused by pulverized coal boilers based thermal power plants. In this paper emissions (kg/KWH) from Indian coal-fired thermal power plants have been calculated by taking emission data from 81 thermal power plants around the country. The total amounts of emission (kg/year) from existing thermal power plants have been estimated and the mitigation of emissions through renewable energy generation have been shown.