| Abstract Title: | Future Mercury Emission Reduction in China |
| Presenter Name: | Flora M Brocza |
| Company/Institution: | University of Leeds |
| Session: | Addressing global Hg challenges in a changing world |
| Co-Authors: | Flora M Brocza,Peter Rafaj,Robert Sander |
Abstract Information :
The Greenhouse Gas ? Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model is a policy model that explores cost-effective multi-pollutant emission control strategies which aim at maximizing both local and global air quality and emissions. Hg-GAINS, as developed by Rafaj et al. (2013) is one of few models which currently represents all anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emission sources on a sector-by-sector basis. Its recent update enhances representation of co-benefits to Hg emission reductions from interaction with particulate matter and SO2 controls, as well as novel Hg-specific control technologies. China alone emits >25% to global anthropogenic primary mercury emissions, the majority of which stem from stationary coal combustion, cement production and non-ferrous metal smelting. These emissions are continuously influenced by the ongoing retrofitting of air pollution control devices on coal-fired power stations, which is estimated to have provided significant co-benefits for mercury emission reduction from the power and industry sectors. As China is looking to reduce its reliance on coal following the national climate policy goals, further reduction of mercury emissions from the coal combustion is expected. However, renewable energy sources tend to have larger material footprints in construction, likely leading to an increase in mercury-intensive metal mining and smelting. We quantify the relative importance of climate policy, co-benefits and technological mercury pollution control measures by comparing four scenarios of Chinese mercury emissions: Two energy use scenarios (A - ?Business As Usual? and B - ?1.5 Degree Climate Mitigation Scenario?) are compared with two scenarios of mercury emission control (1 -Current Legislation , assuming technical mercury control compliant with the Minamata convention and national emission standards, relying mainly on co-benefits from PM and SO2 control; 2 - Maximum Feasible Reduction, assuming utilisation of the most efficient Hg-specific technologies and measures across all sectors).
