Dataset Information

Quantifying operational lifetimes for coal power plants under the Paris goals.

ABSTRACT: A rapid transition away from unabated coal use is essential to fulfilling the Paris climate goals. However, many countries are actively building and operating coal power plants. Here we use plant-level data to specify alternative trajectories for coal technologies in an integrated assessment model. We then quantify cost-effective retirement pathways for global and country-level coal fleets to limit long-term temperature change. We present our results using a decision-relevant metric: the operational lifetime limit. Even if no new plants are built, the lifetimes of existing units are reduced to approximately 35 years in a well-below 2?°C scenario or 20 years in a 1.5?°C scenario. The risk of continued coal expansion, including the near-term growth permitted in some Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), is large. The lifetime limits for both 2?°C and 1.5?°C are reduced by 5 years if plants under construction come online and 10 years if all proposed projects are built.

SUBMITTER: Cui RY

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6800419 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Quantifying operational lifetimes for coal power plants under the Paris goals.

Cui Ryna Yiyun RY Hultman Nathan N Edwards Morgan R MR He Linlang L Sen Arijit A Surana Kavita K McJeon Haewon H Iyer Gokul G Patel Pralit P Yu Sha S Nace Ted T Shearer Christine C

Nature communications 20191018 1

A rapid transition away from unabated coal use is essential to fulfilling the Paris climate goals. However, many countries are actively building and operating coal power plants. Here we use plant-level data to specify alternative trajectories for coal technologies in an integrated assessment model. We then quantify cost-effective retirement pathways for global and country-level coal fleets to limit long-term temperature change. We present our results using a decision-relevant metric: the operati ...[more]

PMID: 31628313

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Project description:BackgroundCoal-fired power plants are a major source of air pollution that can impact children's health. Limited research has explored if proximity to coal-fired power plants contributes to children's neurobehavioral disorders.ObjectiveThis community-based study collected primary data to investigate the relationships of residential proximity to power plants and neurobehavioral problems in children.Methods235 participants aged 6-14 years who lived within 10 miles of two power plants were recruited. Exposure to particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10) was measured in children's homes using personal modular impactors. Neurobehavioral symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Multiple regression models were performed to test the hypothesized associations between proximity/exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms. Geospatial statistical methods were used to map the spatial patterns of exposure and neurobehavioral symptoms.ResultsA small proportion of the variations of neurobehavioral problems (social problems, affective problems, and anxiety problems) were explained by the regression models in which distance to power plants, traffic proximity, and neighborhood poverty was statistically associated with the neurobehavioral health outcomes. Statistically significant hot spots of participants who had elevated levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and social problems were observed in the vicinity of the two power plants.SignificanceResults of this study suggest an adverse impact of proximity to power plants on children's neurobehavioral health. Although coal-fired power plants are being phased out in the US, health concern about exposure from coal ash storage facilities remains. Furthermore, other countries in the world are increasing coal use and generating millions of tons of pollutants and coal ash. Findings from this study can inform public health policies to reduce children's risk of neurobehavioral symptoms in relation to proximity to power plants.

Dataset Information

Quantifying operational lifetimes for coal power plants under the Paris goals.

Publications

Quantifying operational lifetimes for coal power plants under the Paris goals.

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