Cost-effective reduction of industrial emissions in the Metropolitan Concepcion, Chile: Natural gas vs end-of-pipes technologies Reducción costo-efectiva de emisiones industriales en Concepción Metropolitano, Chile: Gas natural vs tecnologías de abatimien

Abstract

The air quality of Metropolitan Concepcion, Chile, has been affected significantly due to the high local industrial activity. There are populated areas where the concentration of ambient PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10μm) exceeds current air quality standard of Chile, while other populates areas are close to reach this limit. This condition has a negative impact on the population health. Therefore, there is a need to implement strategies in order to improve the air quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate economic scenarios of fuel conversion to natural gas and of use of air pollution control technologies in order to reduce PM10 emissions from the industrial sources. The main focus of the economic analysis was to reduce PM10 emissions at a minimum cost, regardless of the source. It is concluded that the fuel switching option is attractive for industrial sources but depends on the availability and prices of natural gas.