Page 6 - AsiaElec Week 21 2021
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AsiaElec COMMENTARY AsiaElec
stronger regime of oversight. relatively large particles that can have mechani-
As well rooting out corruption and cutting cal detrimental effects on health. The so-called
the influence of Zuma-influenced ANC figures, PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of 10
Ramaphosa has spearheaded Eskom’s plans to micons) is a standard measure of this type of
split up the company into generation, trans- undesirable emission. If inhaled, the particles
mission and distribution entities. This aims to can travel into the bloodstream, harm lungs and
cut debt, improve operational efficiency and to heart, cause stroke and lead to premature death.
reduce corruption. In terms of PM10 emissions from coal power
South African has also set a 2050 net zero plants, Ukraine is almost unrivalled. In the top
target, but this will require both massive ten positions, Seyitömer (600 MW) and Tunç-
deployment of wind and solar and a major reor- bilek (365 MW) from Turkish side compete
ganisation of the national grid away form coal. alongside plants with at least twice the capacity
from Ukraine. The top 10 list for PM10 hosts
SO2 even older power plants than SO2 with the plant
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is another GHG released ages varying between 48 and 61 years.
from burning coal that among other things
causes “acid rain” as the SO2 reacts with the NOx
water in the atmosphere to make sulphuric acid Another dangerous gas is the nitrogen oxide
that can devastate the surrounding flora. family (NOx) which are gases that cause inflam-
In high concentrations it also directly affects mation of the airways and disrupt normal cell
the health of local residents, causes a life-threat- mechanisms, damaging tissues, reducing the
ening accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Even immune abilities of the body, the Ember Ana-
a single exposure to a high concentration can lytical Centre says.
cause a long-lasting condition like asthma. Ukraine has nine plants in the top thirty
In the region the top 10 SO2 emitters can be ranking for NOx. Among the top thirty, Turkey
found in three coal plants each from Turkey and and Germany have six plants from each, three
Serbia, two from Bosnia, and one each Ukraine from Poland, and two each Serbia and Kosovo.
and North Macedonia. Turkey is also represented by its young imported
Emissions of these plants in the top ten hard coal power plants together with its notori-
account for 44% of total SO2 emissions in ous lignite in the top positions. ZETES III (28th)
Europe from coal power. and ZETES III (32nd) were commissioned in
Among the thirty most SO2 polluting coal 2016 and 2010 respectively.
power plants, there are 12 from Ukraine, with Eight power plants from Ukraine exist in all
the Burshtynska plant in number one place, fol- of the top thirty rankings: Kurakhivska, Bur-
lowed by Turkey with six plants and four power shtynska, Trypilska, Luhanska, Vuhlehirska,
plants belong to Serbia and Bosnia. Slovyanska, Ladyzhynska and Zaporizka. Soma
B and Çayırhan from Turkey find a place in all
PM10 top 30 plant-based pollution rankings, likewise
In addition to their greenhouse affect one of the Nikola Tesla A and Nikola Tesla B from Serbia.
other problems with burning coal is it produces
P6 www. NEWSBASE .com Week 21 26•May•2021
