Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what the (a) CO2 (kg CO2e per kwh) and (b) NOx (mg/m3N) emissions are of power derived from (i) coal fired power stations, (ii) open cycle gas turbines, (iii) diesel reciprocating engines, (iv) gas reciprocating engines and (v) combined cycle gas turbines.

The carbon dioxide and NOx emissions produced by fossil fuel power plants are dependent on a number of factors including, thermal efficiency, technology type and design, type and composition of fossil fuel, mode of operation and type of pollution abatement measures implemented.

Using published data on the carbon intensity of different fuel types, combined with estimates for the efficiency of each plant type, the kg CO₂e per kWh of electricity generated and per kWh of fuel is provided in the table below.

Notes

(1) Source: http://www.ukconversionfactorscarbonsmart.co.uk/LandingPage.aspx

(2) Source: Emissions Performance Standard Impact Assessments

(3) Source: STOR Carbon Intensity Report, National Grid

Emissions data on NOx is not readily available but the table below provides the Emission Limit Values for NOx (mg/Nm³) for certain types of fossil fuel plant as set down in the Industrial Emissions Directive and Medium Combustion Plant Directive. NOx emissions from some fossil fuel plant will be higher than these limits currently – the timetable for achieving compliance with the limits and full detail of the conditions and exclusions relating to the limits is contained within the relevant Directives.

Notes:

1. The limits for coal and gas turbines & engines are not directly comparable as they are based on different O₂ contents.