Table 3.1. Energy Use in Coal-Fired Utilities in the United States and Global Energy Usea precipitation enhancement, and drift deposition. The probability and extent of these impacts are largely functions of the type of cooling technology and local meteorological conditions. Presumably, local impacts will be minimized on a case-by-case basis through the choice of cooling technology and facility site. Local waste heat impacts should not impede coal use on a global scale. 3.1.2 Impact of Particle Releases As was indicated previously, the effect on climate of changes in atmospheric particle loading has not been clearly identified. It is thus difficult to assess the contribution of coal combustion to climate change through the emission of particles to the atmosphere. Some perspective on the potential role of coal combustion can be gained by looking at emission estimates. Table 3.2 compares present and future emissions of primary particles from utility coal use to atmospheric particulate loadings from all sources. The coal emissions are a very small percentage of the total annual particle loading of the atmosphere. However, a larger contribution to anthropogenic particle loading of the atmosphere occurs as a result of gas-to-particle
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==