Costs and benefits of reducing air pollutant emissions as a result of bringing coal and lignite-fired power plants into compliance with BAT LCP conclusions

The analysis carried out regarding the costs of adapting to the best available technique (BAT) conclusions in relation to the benefits achieved (external costs) showed that these benefits significantly exceed the cost of investments necessary to meet the required levels of permissible best available technique-associated emission levels (BAT-AELs). In the case of sulfur dioxide, the ratio of costs incurred to benefits obtained is only 3%, for nitrogen oxides 7%, and for dust it is less than 1%. This is primarily due to a significant increase in external costs, published in 2021 by the EEA. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that a precise assessment of external costs should be based on the analyses of individual facilities, taking into account their local specificity. The analysis showed that the most cost-effective way was to adapt the coal-fired power plant sector to the requirements related to reducing dust emissions. Significant benefits were achieved as a result of small investment outlays.