Improving Environmental Performance of Coal-Based Thermal Power Stations

CONCEPT NOTE

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF COAL-BASED THERMAL POWER STATIONS

COURSE BACKGROUND

The Environmental Capacities and Sustainability (ECAS) Institute is committed to promoting sustainable environmental management across various sectors, including energy production. Coal-based thermal power stations continue to be a major source of energy worldwide, but they also pose significant environmental challenges, such as air pollution, high water consumption, and carbon emissions.

As part of its mission to enhance environmental capacities and promote sustainability, ECAS has developed this specialized training course to equip professionals in the power sector with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to improve the environmental performance of coal-based thermal power plants. This course is designed to address the urgent need for cleaner production techniques, stricter regulatory compliance, and more efficient resource management in coal-based power generation.

Through this training, ECAS aims to support energy sector professionals, policymakers, and environmental specialists in implementing advanced pollution control technologies, sustainable operational practices, and regulatory compliance strategies. The course integrates global best practices, case studies, and innovative solutions to help coal power stations align with modern environmental standards while ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

This course aims to:

1. Provide an in-depth understanding of environmental challenges in coal-based thermal power stations.
2. Equip participants with advanced strategies for emission control and waste management.
3. Enhance knowledge of air and water pollution control technologies for coal power plants.
4. Strengthen understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance with environmental laws.
5. Promote energy efficiency and cleaner production techniques in power plant operations.
6. Explore sustainable coal technologies and carbon capture solutions.
7. Foster stakeholder engagement and corporate environmental responsibility in the power sector.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and assess key environmental risks in coal-based thermal power stations.
• Implement air pollution control technologies to reduce SO₂, NOₓ, and particulate matter emissions.
• Develop water and waste management strategies to minimize environmental impact.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and emission standards.
• Optimize energy efficiency in coal-based power generation.
• Integrate cleaner coal technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS).
• Apply best practices in environmental monitoring and reporting.
• Enhance corporate sustainability efforts through cleaner production and stakeholder engagement.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is designed for professionals involved in the operation, regulation, and environmental management of coal-based thermal power stations. It is particularly beneficial for power plant managers, environmental officers, engineers, regulatory officials, and sustainability experts seeking to improve environmental performance. Additionally, it is valuable for government agencies, policymakers, researchers, and consultants working on energy and environmental sustainability. The training is ideal for individuals looking to align coal power operations with modern environmental standards while ensuring energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.

TRAINING MODULES

The course is structured into modules that provide a step-by-step approach to understanding, assessing, and implementing best practices in environmental management for coal-based power stations. Each module covers key aspects such as air pollution control, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable coal technologies. Through a combination of technical knowledge, case studies, and practical applications, participants will develop the skills needed to enhance environmental performance in coal-fired power plants.

No	Module	Details
1.	Environmental Challenges of Coal-Based Thermal Power Stations	Identifying the environmental impacts of coal-based power generation. Understanding air, water, and soil pollution from coal plants. Assessing climate change impacts and carbon footprint of coal power. Reviewing case studies on environmental failures in coal power stations. Exploring sustainable alternatives and transition strategies.
2.	Air Pollution Control Technologies and Emission Reduction	Understanding major air pollutants from coal combustion. Implementing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) for SO₂ control. Using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for NOₓ reduction. Controlling particulate matter emissions through electrostatic precipitators (ESP). Exploring carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) solutions.
3.	Water and Wastewater Management in Coal Power Plants	Understanding water consumption and thermal pollution from coal plants. Implementing efficient cooling water management strategies. Treating wastewater and heavy metal contamination. Recycling and reusing water to reduce environmental impact. Complying with water discharge regulations and standards.
4.	Solid Waste Management and Ash Utilization	Identifying waste streams in coal-based power generation. Managing coal ash, slag, and other byproducts safely. Exploring beneficial uses of fly ash in construction and industry. Developing integrated waste management strategies. Ensuring compliance with hazardous waste disposal regulations.
5.	Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Monitoring	Understanding national and international environmental regulations. Ensuring compliance with emission standards and reporting requirements. Implementing environmental monitoring systems for power plants. Conducting environmental audits and impact assessments. Engaging stakeholders and communities in environmental decision-making.
6.	Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Operations in Coal Power	Optimizing combustion efficiency to reduce emissions. Implementing cleaner production techniques in coal-fired plants. Enhancing efficiency through boiler optimization and heat recovery. Integrating renewable energy sources with coal power plants. Exploring future trends in sustainable coal technologies.
7.	Case Studies and Practical Applications	Reviewing successful environmental management practices in coal plants. Conducting scenario-based assessments for pollution control. Developing site-specific mitigation strategies for coal power stations. Analyzing regulatory enforcement and best compliance strategies. Applying knowledge through group exercises and project development.

TRAINING STYLE

This course uses a practical and interactive training approach to ensure participants gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Expert-led lectures provide in-depth insights into environmental challenges and mitigation strategies, while case studies and group discussions allow participants to analyze real-world scenarios. Workshops and practical exercises focus on key topics such as pollution control, waste management, and regulatory compliance, ensuring participants can apply their knowledge effectively.

Additionally, scenario-based simulations help participants develop problem-solving skills for managing environmental risks in coal-based power plants. The course also includes regulatory and policy analysis, helping professionals navigate compliance requirements and sustainability frameworks. Through stakeholder engagement and role-playing activities, participants learn how to effectively communicate environmental strategies and implement sustainable practices. These diverse training methods create an engaging and impactful learning experience, enabling participants to enhance environmental performance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability efforts in coal-based thermal power stations.

GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.