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Aspects Regarding the Use of Coal in the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy

Aspects Regarding the Use of Coal in the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy Revista Minelor – Mining Revue ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022, pp. 59-64 ASPECTS REGARDING THE USE OF COAL IN THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL ENERGY 1 2* Vasile BOBEI , Daniela CIOLEA Oltenia Energy Complex, Tg. Jiu, Romania, vasile.bobei@ceoltenia.ro University of Petrosani, Petrosani, Romania, danielaciolea@upet.ro DOI: 10.2478/minrv-2022-0021 Abstract: Globally, coal was and remains one of the main primary energy resources, being the cheapest option for power generation. Coal deposits are available in large quantities, its exploitation being done with more stable prices and less sensitive to a series of international events, but it has the disadvantage of significant additional costs, due to the technologies required to reduce emissions in the environment. Romania, one of the most important coal-producing countries in Europe, has a long tradition in the mining industry and has important coal reserves, which can ensure the continuity of production for more than 150 years. Unfortunately, after 1989, coal production in our country almost halved, mainly due to the decrease in mining activity and the reduction of coal consumption (both by industry, such as steel and households - for the heat consumed from power plants based on of coal). At the moment, Romania mainly imports coal, but the share of imported coal also decreased to a quarter compared to 1990. Keywords: coal, energy, production of electrical energy, environmental protection 1. Introduction The protecting and preservation of the environment, although they are global problems of humanity, must be, first of all, a concern of national, economic and socio-human interest, with a determining role in the sustainable development strategy of society. Technical progress brings with it, in addition to benefits for human beings, many disadvantages, such as pollution, which threatens to destroy the environment. The electricity production industry is a strategic sector st for any state that wants economic, social, strategic and political development at the level of the 21 century. Currently, Romania - a member country of the European Union - must make the most of its geostrategic advantages, its energy potential and, last but not least, the possibility of becoming an important transit corridor from Eastern producers to Western consumers. At the same time, however, the energy sector and especially thermal power plants, which use coal as fuel, have a major impact on all environmental components in the area adjacent to them (atmosphere, water, soil, flora and fauna, food and living space), so that they are considered among the main sources of environmental pollution. 2. Environmental legislation in the field of the energy sector The energy sector has the greatest impact on the environment through the emissions produced, energy's contribution being assessed at around 80% to environmental pollution and, as a result, to the phenomenon of global warming. At the European and international level, there are concerns regarding the development of optimal strategies and actions to reduce environmental pollution. Two of the main directives that regulate the legal framework for reducing environmental pollution are: Directive 2008/1/EC (IPPC) - on the Prevention and Integrated Control of Pollution and Directive 2001/80/EC (LCP) - on the Limitation of Air Emissions of some pollutants from Large Combustion Plants. Corresponding author: Daniela Ionela Ciolea, Assoc.Prof.Eng. Ph.D, University of Petrosani, Romania, 20 Universitatii str., 332006 Petrosani, Romania, danielaciolea@upet.ro, 0251542580/int. 236 59 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 Directive 2001/80/EC (LCP), transposed into Romanian legislation by H.G. no. 440/2010 defines Large Combustion Installations and aims to reduce air emissions of some pollutants from burning fuels in them, while the IPPC Directive (transposed into our legislation by O.U.G. no. 34/2002), aims to protect the environment as a whole and proposes that any polluting facility should have a permit (authorization), which can be issued if the activity in question is based on best available techniques (BAT). These two directives, to which five others are added, are brought together in Directive 2010/75/EU (IED) - Industrial Emissions Directive, which entered into force on 01.01.2016. The transposition of the directive into Romanian legislation was achieved through Law 278/2013 - on industrial emissions and has the general objective of reducing polluting emissions into the atmosphere, water, soil, as well as waste from agriculture and industry, with the aim of achieving the highest level of environmental and health protection. The main objectives of the current European framework for energy and climate policy to be achieved by 2020 are: - Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (20%); - Improvements in the field of energy efficiency (20%). The new energy-climate policy framework for 2030 will also take into account the recently adopted European Strategy on Energy Security. Thus, the pillar of the 2030 framework for promoting security of energy supply will be structured based on: 1. Exploitation of new sources of sustainable energy; 2. Diversification of countries and supply routes with regard to fossil fuel imports (strengthening competition in energy markets by increasing liberalization, by completing the internal energy market and developing energy transport infrastructure); 3. Improving the energy intensity of the economy in a cost-effective way and generating energy savings by improving the energy performance of buildings, products and processes. 4. An important role in the new 2030 architecture will be a new monitoring framework, which will include national plans for a competitive, safe and sustainable energy. Even if the European Union manages to change its energy mix in favor of renewable sources and substantially reduce its energy consumption, it will still remain dependent on fossil resources for the foreseeable future: coal, oil, natural gas. Because of this, it is in the general interest to develop technologies that reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of combustion plants. The capture and storage of CO emissions is a promising solution, but such technologies are not yet commercially tested. However, despite the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 20% by 2020, coal-fired power plants in the European Union have in recent years started operating again at high capacity. The factors that have made coal attractive again are related to: 1. The strong decline of its price on international markets as a result of the increase in American natural gas production and the direction of extracted coal mainly abroad. 2. In the confrontation between the price of natural gas and the price of coal, the latter comes out victorious, European natural gas prices being the highest in the world. 3. The failure of the European carbon trading platform (ETS), the central instrument of the E.U. to combat climate change. The European Commission is trying to fundamentally reform the market for carbon dioxide certificates. Until this action is taken, the ETS remains unable to penalize the use of coal plants. 4. Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Romania has undertaken commitments regarding the limitation of pollutant emissions into the air from large combustion installations (IMA), according to Directive 2001/80/EC, achieving staggered transition periods until 2013, by category of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere (carbon dioxide sulfur, nitrogen oxides and dusts), respectively 2017 for the further reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. These transition periods highlight the fact that the respective large combustion plants have a significant effect on air quality, as it is necessary to implement measures to reduce polluting emissions and that the level of investment required is very high and difficult for the beneficiary to bear. Most thermal energy capacities are not yet equipped with high-performance installations to reduce pollution, as a result SO and NO emissions are above the maximum values accepted in the European Union. 2 x In the last 10 years, some thermal power plants representing approximately 10% of the installed power have been modernized/re-technologized, and work to comply with environmental requirements is underway at most thermal plants. All thermal energy groups that remained in operation after 2014 must comply with the environmental requirements established by Order no. 859/29.09.2005 - for the approval of the National Plan for the Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides and Dust Emissions from Large Combustion Plants. Failure of these groups 60 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 to observe the deadlines for complying with the European Union rules date will lead to the prohibition of their operation after the expiration of these deadlines. 3. The use of coal in the production of electricity and thermal energy On a global scale, coal was and remains one of the main primary energy resources, being the cheapest option for power generation. Coal deposits are available in large quantities, being spread evenly in different geographical areas of the globe, but the large-scale use has brought with it the considerable degradation of the environment and the reduction of the optimal territory for habitation. Coal, compared to oil and natural gas, has the advantage of a more stable price and less sensitive to a series of international events; on the other hand, it has the disadvantage of significant additional costs, due to the extraction technologies and the technologies required to reduce emissions in the environment. Coal, despite its poor environmental credentials, remains a staple in the energy supply of countless countries. (World Energy Resources - 2013 - World Energy Council Report). [1] However, the latest data show that coal is currently used to produce 40% of the world's total electricity, and its use has increased by more than 50% in the last 10 years. Forecasts show a decrease in this proportion, while, in absolute values, its use will increase (http://www.energynomics.ro/ro/analize/centralele-pe-carbune- raman-viabHe-din-perspectiva-costurilor /). [2] Even if countries in Europe and North America try to switch to alternative energy sources, the reductions are cancelled by the big economies, most of them coming from Asia, which mainly use coal, and have important reserves of this fuel. Coal also plays a very important role in covering the base load of electricity consumption. The increase in the popularity of coal is very clear from the analysis of today's consumption compared to 20 years ago. Also, the world's coal reserves fell by 14% between 1993 and 2011, while energy production increased by more than 68% during the same period. (World Energy Council, World Energy Resources (WER) 2013, Published 2013, ISBN: 978 0 946121 29 8, available at: http://www.worldenergy.org/publications/ 2013/worldenergy- resources-2013-survey/). [3] The world's known coal reserves of 909,000 thousand tons are unevenly distributed in the world, most of the reserves being: 28% in North America; 28.4% in Asia; 27.2% in Europe (in particular, in the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Poland). The large volume of existing coal reserves in the world makes this raw material an important and sustainable energy resource for the future, which could be make possible through: a. Long-term planning of the use of coal in the future in the sense of its use over the period of several generations; b. Making long-term profits and recovering the capital invested by entrepreneurs in: thermal and electrical plants, metallurgical plants, transport infrastructure, logistics, etc.; c. Carrying out research on the use and savings of coal resources, not only in the area of interest of applied sciences, but also in that of fundamental sciences. In Europe, coal represents 5% of the world's coal reserves, being vital for it to cover its main needs. In the European Union, superior coal (anthracite and coal) is mined in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Romania, Spain and Great Britain. Poland produces more coal than all the other 26 EU member states combined. Lower coal (lignite and lignite) is mined in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Europe is able to cover a significant proportion of its coal requirement from its own resources. Poland and Germany are the leaders in coal production, together producing two-thirds of the European Union's production, followed by the Czech Republic and Greece. The Czech Republic, Greece, Spain and Great Britain also produce large amounts of coal within the European Union. The countries of south-eastern Europe, such as Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, also produce important amounts of coal. Coal is also obtained in other states of the European Union, such as Slovakia and Slovenia, and also in the associated countries and on the way to become part of the European Union. The development of imports is of vital importance for meeting the needs of coal in the European Union. About 200 million tons of coal equivalents are imported every year to cover the needs. Imports are made from South Africa, Colombia, Ukraine and Mozambique. With a total demand of around 750 million tons of coal equivalent, Europe including Russia, is the world's third largest coal consumer after North America and China, showing that Europe accounts for over 15% of 61 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 global coal consumption. In the 28 countries of Europe, in the future, coal will cover a fifth of the primary energy needs. The European Union is already the world's largest importer of oil, natural gas and coal. The consumption of primary resources in EU is as follows: oil 41%, natural gas 22%, coal 16%, nuclear energy 15%, and renewable sources 6%. The EU's current energy dependence on external sources is 50%. Reserves are concentrated in a few countries. About half of the EU's natural gas consumption comes from just three countries (Russian Federation, Norway, Algeria), and 45% of oil imports come from the Middle East. If current trends continue, gas imports will increase by up to 80% over the next 25 years. [4] A worrying conclusion is that, if the European Union (EU) fails to make its energy sector more efficient, in the next 20-30 years, approximately 70% of the EU's energy demand will be covered by imports, some of which will come from regions threatened by insecurity. Coal certainly limits Europe's dependence on energy imports. Coal also reduces Europe's vulnerability to the energy crisis thanks to its own coal reserves and a well-functioning world market for this raw material. The average percentage of 29% of the share of coal use in electricity production hides major differences between the member states of the European Union (Poland, with 90% of electricity production based on coal. France - 5%, Sweden -1%). Romania has a diverse, but quantitatively reduced, range of primary energy resources, fossils and minerals: crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium ore, as well as an important exploitable potential of renewable resources. The importance of the energy sector (resources - energy industry - consumption), a strategic sector for any state, is best emphasized by the fact that, also in the case of Romania, energy represents a product with great economic, social, strategic and political value. Romania has a long tradition in the mining industry and has important coal reserves that can ensure the continuity of production for more than 150 years. The situation of geological coal resources in the records of the National Agency of Mineral Resources (ANRM) is presented as follows (table no. 1): Table 1. National coal resources Resource type Exploitation perimeters Concessioned perimeters Total (thousands of tons) (thousands of tons) (thousands of tons) Coal 592 1.614 2.206 Lignite 986 11.606 12.592 Total 1.578 13.220 14.798 Romania is one of the most important coal-producing countries in Europe, after Poland, Great Britain, Germany and the Czech Republic, and one of the largest producers of lignite after Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. th According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), Romania ranks 17 in the world in terms of coal production. (The Global Methane Initiative, Country overview, available at https://www.globalmethane.org/documents/toolsres_coal_overview_ch29.pdf). [5] Coal production has almost halved in 20 years, mostly due to a decline in mining activity and a reduction in coal consumption (both by industry, such as steel, and by households—for heat from coal-fired power plants). 4. Decarbonisation of the energy sector Component C6. Energy, within Pillar I. The green transition of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to address the main challenges of the energy sector in Romania regarding the decarbonization of the energy system and air pollution, respectively ensuring the green transition and digitalization of the energy sector, through promoting the production of electricity from renewable sources, energy efficiency and future technologies. Setting this target is motivated by the fact that, in the energy sector, coal is the main responsible for air pollution, which includes greenhouse gas emissions. Reform 1 provides, in the first stage, the adoption by June 30th, 2022 of the Law on the decarbonization of the energy sector, which creates the legal framework necessary for the measures and actions that must be taken to carry out the entire process and which includes: 62 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 - The calendar for the definitive and irreversible closure of the energy groups based on lignite and coal; - The calendar for definitive and irreversible closure of lignite quarries and coal mines; - Support measures for the definitive and irreversible closure of lignite and coal-based electricity production capacities; - Support measures for the definitive and irreversible closure of lignite quarries and coal mines; - Measures to mitigate the social consequences of the definitive and irreversible closure of lignite and coal-based electricity production capacities and related quarries and mines; - Sources of financing of state aid measures; - Measures for the coordination and implementation of the decarbonization process; - Sanctions; - Energy crisis; Considering the gradual elimination of the production of coal-fired power plants, in order to ensure the continuity and safety of the electricity supply, as well as the safe and stable operation of the National Energy System, the commissioning of new capacities for the production of electricity from renewable sources and natural gas prepared for hydrogen blending is of utmost importance. Additionally, in order to cover the capacity deficit created by the elimination of coal from the energy mix, the commissioning of new hydroelectric production capacities and nuclear energy capacities is considered by 2030. The decrease in the nominal electric power of lignite and coal-based electricity generating capacities is achieved this year, according to the provisions of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), through the definitive and irreversible withdrawal from operation of 660 MW, based on lignite: • Rovinari 3 energy group – 330 MW; • Turceni 7 energy group – 330 MW; The year 2025 represents a new stage, provided for in the PNRR, regarding the definitive and irreversible closure of the total energy capacity installed based on lignite and coal, through the definitive and irreversible shutdown of the following groups totaling 1,425 MW: • The energy group, based on lignite, Rovinari 6 – 330 MW; • The lignite-based energy group, Turceni 4 – 330 MW; • The lignite-based energy group, Ișalnița 7 – 315 MW; • The energy group, based on lignite, Govora 3 – 50 MW; • The energy group, based on lignite, Govora 4 – 50 MW; • The energy group, based on lignite, Craiova II 1 – 150 MW; • The energy group, based on lignite, Craiova II 2 – 150 MW; • Termo-Service Iași II, based on coal - 50 MW. The definitive and irreversible closure of the lignite-based production capacities related to Complex Energetic Oltenia S.A. are also included in its Restructuring Plan, approved by the European Commission on 26.01.2022. The final closure of the last energy groups based on lignite and coal, remaining after the year 2025, with a total capacity of 1,140 MW, will be carried out by December 31, 2030, as follows: • The energy group, based on lignite, Rovinari 4 – 330 MW – 31.12.2030; • The energy group, based on lignite, Rovinari 5 – 330 MW – 31.12.2030; • Energy group, based on lignite, Turceni 5 – 330 MW – 31.12.2029; • Coal-based energy group, Paroșeni 4 – 150 MW – 31.12.2030. The definitive and irreversible closure of lignite quarries and coal mining operations will be correlated with the definitive and irreversible closure of electricity production capacities. Final closure and greening works will be carried out at the quarries where the lignite mining activity ceases, considering the fact that the lignite mining activity had an impact on the environmental components, the most affected being the soil. The cessation of mining activity, the definitive and irreversible closure of lignite quarries and the restoration of the environment will be done in accordance with the provisions of the Mining Law no. 85/2003, with subsequent amendments and additions and directly applicable rules. Given that the approval of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan implies compliance by the Romanian authorities with the conditions, objectives and reforms aimed in the energy sector, and given the fact that the European Commission requires compliance with the coal replacement calendar, the economic operators who own coal-based electricity generation capacities are obliged to meet the established closure deadlines, even if the European Commission does not authorize the state aid measures. [6] 63 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 5. Conclusions The energy sector has important effects, direct or indirect, on a local, regional or global scale on environmental components. The environmental impact of electricity production activities differs depending on the stage of transformation and the type of primary energy. The impact that coal-fired power plants have on environmental components can be: climatic, on underground and surface water, on soil, on vegetation, on human health or aesthetics. At the European and international level there are concerns regarding the development of optimal strategies and actions to reduce environmental pollution. Thus, Directive 2010/75/EU (IED) - Industrial Emissions Directive, transposed into Romanian legislation by Law 278/2013, which entered into force on 01.01.2016, has as its general objective the reduction of polluting emissions into the atmosphere, water, soil, as well as waste from agriculture and industry, with the aim of achieving the highest level of environmental and health protection. References [1] ***, 2013 World Energy Council Report, World Energy Resources [2] ***, 2021 http://www.energynomics.ro/ro/analize/centralele–pe–carbune–raman–viabile-din-perspectiva-costurilor/ [3] ***, 2013 http://www.worldenergy.org/publications/ 2013/worldenergy-resources-2013-survey/ [4] S.C. Eryza Proiect S.R.L., 2010 Technical Project regarding the closure of the slag-ash deposit in the town of Bejan, Hunedoara County [5] ***, 2015 https://www.globalmethane.org/documents/toolsres_coal_overview_ch29.pdf [6] Ministry of Energy in Romania, 2022 Background note regarding the Emergency Ordinance. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons BY SA 4.0 license. Authors retain all copyrights and agree to the terms of the above-mentioned CC BY SA 4.0 license. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Mining Revue de Gruyter

Aspects Regarding the Use of Coal in the Production of Electrical and Thermal Energy

Bobei, Vasile; Ciolea, Daniela
Mining Revue , Volume 28 (3): 6 – Sep 1, 2022
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de Gruyter
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© 2022 Vasile Bobei et al., published by Sciendo
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2247-8590
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10.2478/minrv-2022-0021
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Abstract

Revista Minelor – Mining Revue ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022, pp. 59-64 ASPECTS REGARDING THE USE OF COAL IN THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICAL AND THERMAL ENERGY 1 2* Vasile BOBEI , Daniela CIOLEA Oltenia Energy Complex, Tg. Jiu, Romania, vasile.bobei@ceoltenia.ro University of Petrosani, Petrosani, Romania, danielaciolea@upet.ro DOI: 10.2478/minrv-2022-0021 Abstract: Globally, coal was and remains one of the main primary energy resources, being the cheapest option for power generation. Coal deposits are available in large quantities, its exploitation being done with more stable prices and less sensitive to a series of international events, but it has the disadvantage of significant additional costs, due to the technologies required to reduce emissions in the environment. Romania, one of the most important coal-producing countries in Europe, has a long tradition in the mining industry and has important coal reserves, which can ensure the continuity of production for more than 150 years. Unfortunately, after 1989, coal production in our country almost halved, mainly due to the decrease in mining activity and the reduction of coal consumption (both by industry, such as steel and households - for the heat consumed from power plants based on of coal). At the moment, Romania mainly imports coal, but the share of imported coal also decreased to a quarter compared to 1990. Keywords: coal, energy, production of electrical energy, environmental protection 1. Introduction The protecting and preservation of the environment, although they are global problems of humanity, must be, first of all, a concern of national, economic and socio-human interest, with a determining role in the sustainable development strategy of society. Technical progress brings with it, in addition to benefits for human beings, many disadvantages, such as pollution, which threatens to destroy the environment. The electricity production industry is a strategic sector st for any state that wants economic, social, strategic and political development at the level of the 21 century. Currently, Romania - a member country of the European Union - must make the most of its geostrategic advantages, its energy potential and, last but not least, the possibility of becoming an important transit corridor from Eastern producers to Western consumers. At the same time, however, the energy sector and especially thermal power plants, which use coal as fuel, have a major impact on all environmental components in the area adjacent to them (atmosphere, water, soil, flora and fauna, food and living space), so that they are considered among the main sources of environmental pollution. 2. Environmental legislation in the field of the energy sector The energy sector has the greatest impact on the environment through the emissions produced, energy's contribution being assessed at around 80% to environmental pollution and, as a result, to the phenomenon of global warming. At the European and international level, there are concerns regarding the development of optimal strategies and actions to reduce environmental pollution. Two of the main directives that regulate the legal framework for reducing environmental pollution are: Directive 2008/1/EC (IPPC) - on the Prevention and Integrated Control of Pollution and Directive 2001/80/EC (LCP) - on the Limitation of Air Emissions of some pollutants from Large Combustion Plants. Corresponding author: Daniela Ionela Ciolea, Assoc.Prof.Eng. Ph.D, University of Petrosani, Romania, 20 Universitatii str., 332006 Petrosani, Romania, danielaciolea@upet.ro, 0251542580/int. 236 59 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 Directive 2001/80/EC (LCP), transposed into Romanian legislation by H.G. no. 440/2010 defines Large Combustion Installations and aims to reduce air emissions of some pollutants from burning fuels in them, while the IPPC Directive (transposed into our legislation by O.U.G. no. 34/2002), aims to protect the environment as a whole and proposes that any polluting facility should have a permit (authorization), which can be issued if the activity in question is based on best available techniques (BAT). These two directives, to which five others are added, are brought together in Directive 2010/75/EU (IED) - Industrial Emissions Directive, which entered into force on 01.01.2016. The transposition of the directive into Romanian legislation was achieved through Law 278/2013 - on industrial emissions and has the general objective of reducing polluting emissions into the atmosphere, water, soil, as well as waste from agriculture and industry, with the aim of achieving the highest level of environmental and health protection. The main objectives of the current European framework for energy and climate policy to be achieved by 2020 are: - Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (20%); - Improvements in the field of energy efficiency (20%). The new energy-climate policy framework for 2030 will also take into account the recently adopted European Strategy on Energy Security. Thus, the pillar of the 2030 framework for promoting security of energy supply will be structured based on: 1. Exploitation of new sources of sustainable energy; 2. Diversification of countries and supply routes with regard to fossil fuel imports (strengthening competition in energy markets by increasing liberalization, by completing the internal energy market and developing energy transport infrastructure); 3. Improving the energy intensity of the economy in a cost-effective way and generating energy savings by improving the energy performance of buildings, products and processes. 4. An important role in the new 2030 architecture will be a new monitoring framework, which will include national plans for a competitive, safe and sustainable energy. Even if the European Union manages to change its energy mix in favor of renewable sources and substantially reduce its energy consumption, it will still remain dependent on fossil resources for the foreseeable future: coal, oil, natural gas. Because of this, it is in the general interest to develop technologies that reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of combustion plants. The capture and storage of CO emissions is a promising solution, but such technologies are not yet commercially tested. However, despite the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 20% by 2020, coal-fired power plants in the European Union have in recent years started operating again at high capacity. The factors that have made coal attractive again are related to: 1. The strong decline of its price on international markets as a result of the increase in American natural gas production and the direction of extracted coal mainly abroad. 2. In the confrontation between the price of natural gas and the price of coal, the latter comes out victorious, European natural gas prices being the highest in the world. 3. The failure of the European carbon trading platform (ETS), the central instrument of the E.U. to combat climate change. The European Commission is trying to fundamentally reform the market for carbon dioxide certificates. Until this action is taken, the ETS remains unable to penalize the use of coal plants. 4. Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Romania has undertaken commitments regarding the limitation of pollutant emissions into the air from large combustion installations (IMA), according to Directive 2001/80/EC, achieving staggered transition periods until 2013, by category of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere (carbon dioxide sulfur, nitrogen oxides and dusts), respectively 2017 for the further reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. These transition periods highlight the fact that the respective large combustion plants have a significant effect on air quality, as it is necessary to implement measures to reduce polluting emissions and that the level of investment required is very high and difficult for the beneficiary to bear. Most thermal energy capacities are not yet equipped with high-performance installations to reduce pollution, as a result SO and NO emissions are above the maximum values accepted in the European Union. 2 x In the last 10 years, some thermal power plants representing approximately 10% of the installed power have been modernized/re-technologized, and work to comply with environmental requirements is underway at most thermal plants. All thermal energy groups that remained in operation after 2014 must comply with the environmental requirements established by Order no. 859/29.09.2005 - for the approval of the National Plan for the Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides and Dust Emissions from Large Combustion Plants. Failure of these groups 60 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 to observe the deadlines for complying with the European Union rules date will lead to the prohibition of their operation after the expiration of these deadlines. 3. The use of coal in the production of electricity and thermal energy On a global scale, coal was and remains one of the main primary energy resources, being the cheapest option for power generation. Coal deposits are available in large quantities, being spread evenly in different geographical areas of the globe, but the large-scale use has brought with it the considerable degradation of the environment and the reduction of the optimal territory for habitation. Coal, compared to oil and natural gas, has the advantage of a more stable price and less sensitive to a series of international events; on the other hand, it has the disadvantage of significant additional costs, due to the extraction technologies and the technologies required to reduce emissions in the environment. Coal, despite its poor environmental credentials, remains a staple in the energy supply of countless countries. (World Energy Resources - 2013 - World Energy Council Report). [1] However, the latest data show that coal is currently used to produce 40% of the world's total electricity, and its use has increased by more than 50% in the last 10 years. Forecasts show a decrease in this proportion, while, in absolute values, its use will increase (http://www.energynomics.ro/ro/analize/centralele-pe-carbune- raman-viabHe-din-perspectiva-costurilor /). [2] Even if countries in Europe and North America try to switch to alternative energy sources, the reductions are cancelled by the big economies, most of them coming from Asia, which mainly use coal, and have important reserves of this fuel. Coal also plays a very important role in covering the base load of electricity consumption. The increase in the popularity of coal is very clear from the analysis of today's consumption compared to 20 years ago. Also, the world's coal reserves fell by 14% between 1993 and 2011, while energy production increased by more than 68% during the same period. (World Energy Council, World Energy Resources (WER) 2013, Published 2013, ISBN: 978 0 946121 29 8, available at: http://www.worldenergy.org/publications/ 2013/worldenergy- resources-2013-survey/). [3] The world's known coal reserves of 909,000 thousand tons are unevenly distributed in the world, most of the reserves being: 28% in North America; 28.4% in Asia; 27.2% in Europe (in particular, in the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Poland). The large volume of existing coal reserves in the world makes this raw material an important and sustainable energy resource for the future, which could be make possible through: a. Long-term planning of the use of coal in the future in the sense of its use over the period of several generations; b. Making long-term profits and recovering the capital invested by entrepreneurs in: thermal and electrical plants, metallurgical plants, transport infrastructure, logistics, etc.; c. Carrying out research on the use and savings of coal resources, not only in the area of interest of applied sciences, but also in that of fundamental sciences. In Europe, coal represents 5% of the world's coal reserves, being vital for it to cover its main needs. In the European Union, superior coal (anthracite and coal) is mined in the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Romania, Spain and Great Britain. Poland produces more coal than all the other 26 EU member states combined. Lower coal (lignite and lignite) is mined in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Europe is able to cover a significant proportion of its coal requirement from its own resources. Poland and Germany are the leaders in coal production, together producing two-thirds of the European Union's production, followed by the Czech Republic and Greece. The Czech Republic, Greece, Spain and Great Britain also produce large amounts of coal within the European Union. The countries of south-eastern Europe, such as Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, also produce important amounts of coal. Coal is also obtained in other states of the European Union, such as Slovakia and Slovenia, and also in the associated countries and on the way to become part of the European Union. The development of imports is of vital importance for meeting the needs of coal in the European Union. About 200 million tons of coal equivalents are imported every year to cover the needs. Imports are made from South Africa, Colombia, Ukraine and Mozambique. With a total demand of around 750 million tons of coal equivalent, Europe including Russia, is the world's third largest coal consumer after North America and China, showing that Europe accounts for over 15% of 61 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 global coal consumption. In the 28 countries of Europe, in the future, coal will cover a fifth of the primary energy needs. The European Union is already the world's largest importer of oil, natural gas and coal. The consumption of primary resources in EU is as follows: oil 41%, natural gas 22%, coal 16%, nuclear energy 15%, and renewable sources 6%. The EU's current energy dependence on external sources is 50%. Reserves are concentrated in a few countries. About half of the EU's natural gas consumption comes from just three countries (Russian Federation, Norway, Algeria), and 45% of oil imports come from the Middle East. If current trends continue, gas imports will increase by up to 80% over the next 25 years. [4] A worrying conclusion is that, if the European Union (EU) fails to make its energy sector more efficient, in the next 20-30 years, approximately 70% of the EU's energy demand will be covered by imports, some of which will come from regions threatened by insecurity. Coal certainly limits Europe's dependence on energy imports. Coal also reduces Europe's vulnerability to the energy crisis thanks to its own coal reserves and a well-functioning world market for this raw material. The average percentage of 29% of the share of coal use in electricity production hides major differences between the member states of the European Union (Poland, with 90% of electricity production based on coal. France - 5%, Sweden -1%). Romania has a diverse, but quantitatively reduced, range of primary energy resources, fossils and minerals: crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium ore, as well as an important exploitable potential of renewable resources. The importance of the energy sector (resources - energy industry - consumption), a strategic sector for any state, is best emphasized by the fact that, also in the case of Romania, energy represents a product with great economic, social, strategic and political value. Romania has a long tradition in the mining industry and has important coal reserves that can ensure the continuity of production for more than 150 years. The situation of geological coal resources in the records of the National Agency of Mineral Resources (ANRM) is presented as follows (table no. 1): Table 1. National coal resources Resource type Exploitation perimeters Concessioned perimeters Total (thousands of tons) (thousands of tons) (thousands of tons) Coal 592 1.614 2.206 Lignite 986 11.606 12.592 Total 1.578 13.220 14.798 Romania is one of the most important coal-producing countries in Europe, after Poland, Great Britain, Germany and the Czech Republic, and one of the largest producers of lignite after Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. th According to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), Romania ranks 17 in the world in terms of coal production. (The Global Methane Initiative, Country overview, available at https://www.globalmethane.org/documents/toolsres_coal_overview_ch29.pdf). [5] Coal production has almost halved in 20 years, mostly due to a decline in mining activity and a reduction in coal consumption (both by industry, such as steel, and by households—for heat from coal-fired power plants). 4. Decarbonisation of the energy sector Component C6. Energy, within Pillar I. The green transition of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, aims to address the main challenges of the energy sector in Romania regarding the decarbonization of the energy system and air pollution, respectively ensuring the green transition and digitalization of the energy sector, through promoting the production of electricity from renewable sources, energy efficiency and future technologies. Setting this target is motivated by the fact that, in the energy sector, coal is the main responsible for air pollution, which includes greenhouse gas emissions. Reform 1 provides, in the first stage, the adoption by June 30th, 2022 of the Law on the decarbonization of the energy sector, which creates the legal framework necessary for the measures and actions that must be taken to carry out the entire process and which includes: 62 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 - The calendar for the definitive and irreversible closure of the energy groups based on lignite and coal; - The calendar for definitive and irreversible closure of lignite quarries and coal mines; - Support measures for the definitive and irreversible closure of lignite and coal-based electricity production capacities; - Support measures for the definitive and irreversible closure of lignite quarries and coal mines; - Measures to mitigate the social consequences of the definitive and irreversible closure of lignite and coal-based electricity production capacities and related quarries and mines; - Sources of financing of state aid measures; - Measures for the coordination and implementation of the decarbonization process; - Sanctions; - Energy crisis; Considering the gradual elimination of the production of coal-fired power plants, in order to ensure the continuity and safety of the electricity supply, as well as the safe and stable operation of the National Energy System, the commissioning of new capacities for the production of electricity from renewable sources and natural gas prepared for hydrogen blending is of utmost importance. Additionally, in order to cover the capacity deficit created by the elimination of coal from the energy mix, the commissioning of new hydroelectric production capacities and nuclear energy capacities is considered by 2030. The decrease in the nominal electric power of lignite and coal-based electricity generating capacities is achieved this year, according to the provisions of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), through the definitive and irreversible withdrawal from operation of 660 MW, based on lignite: • Rovinari 3 energy group – 330 MW; • Turceni 7 energy group – 330 MW; The year 2025 represents a new stage, provided for in the PNRR, regarding the definitive and irreversible closure of the total energy capacity installed based on lignite and coal, through the definitive and irreversible shutdown of the following groups totaling 1,425 MW: • The energy group, based on lignite, Rovinari 6 – 330 MW; • The lignite-based energy group, Turceni 4 – 330 MW; • The lignite-based energy group, Ișalnița 7 – 315 MW; • The energy group, based on lignite, Govora 3 – 50 MW; • The energy group, based on lignite, Govora 4 – 50 MW; • The energy group, based on lignite, Craiova II 1 – 150 MW; • The energy group, based on lignite, Craiova II 2 – 150 MW; • Termo-Service Iași II, based on coal - 50 MW. The definitive and irreversible closure of the lignite-based production capacities related to Complex Energetic Oltenia S.A. are also included in its Restructuring Plan, approved by the European Commission on 26.01.2022. The final closure of the last energy groups based on lignite and coal, remaining after the year 2025, with a total capacity of 1,140 MW, will be carried out by December 31, 2030, as follows: • The energy group, based on lignite, Rovinari 4 – 330 MW – 31.12.2030; • The energy group, based on lignite, Rovinari 5 – 330 MW – 31.12.2030; • Energy group, based on lignite, Turceni 5 – 330 MW – 31.12.2029; • Coal-based energy group, Paroșeni 4 – 150 MW – 31.12.2030. The definitive and irreversible closure of lignite quarries and coal mining operations will be correlated with the definitive and irreversible closure of electricity production capacities. Final closure and greening works will be carried out at the quarries where the lignite mining activity ceases, considering the fact that the lignite mining activity had an impact on the environmental components, the most affected being the soil. The cessation of mining activity, the definitive and irreversible closure of lignite quarries and the restoration of the environment will be done in accordance with the provisions of the Mining Law no. 85/2003, with subsequent amendments and additions and directly applicable rules. Given that the approval of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan implies compliance by the Romanian authorities with the conditions, objectives and reforms aimed in the energy sector, and given the fact that the European Commission requires compliance with the coal replacement calendar, the economic operators who own coal-based electricity generation capacities are obliged to meet the established closure deadlines, even if the European Commission does not authorize the state aid measures. [6] 63 Revista Minelor – Mining Revue vol. 28, issue 3 / 2022 ISSN-L 1220-2053 / ISSN 2247-8590 pp. 59-64 5. Conclusions The energy sector has important effects, direct or indirect, on a local, regional or global scale on environmental components. The environmental impact of electricity production activities differs depending on the stage of transformation and the type of primary energy. The impact that coal-fired power plants have on environmental components can be: climatic, on underground and surface water, on soil, on vegetation, on human health or aesthetics. At the European and international level there are concerns regarding the development of optimal strategies and actions to reduce environmental pollution. Thus, Directive 2010/75/EU (IED) - Industrial Emissions Directive, transposed into Romanian legislation by Law 278/2013, which entered into force on 01.01.2016, has as its general objective the reduction of polluting emissions into the atmosphere, water, soil, as well as waste from agriculture and industry, with the aim of achieving the highest level of environmental and health protection. References [1] ***, 2013 World Energy Council Report, World Energy Resources [2] ***, 2021 http://www.energynomics.ro/ro/analize/centralele–pe–carbune–raman–viabile-din-perspectiva-costurilor/ [3] ***, 2013 http://www.worldenergy.org/publications/ 2013/worldenergy-resources-2013-survey/ [4] S.C. Eryza Proiect S.R.L., 2010 Technical Project regarding the closure of the slag-ash deposit in the town of Bejan, Hunedoara County [5] ***, 2015 https://www.globalmethane.org/documents/toolsres_coal_overview_ch29.pdf [6] Ministry of Energy in Romania, 2022 Background note regarding the Emergency Ordinance. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons BY SA 4.0 license. Authors retain all copyrights and agree to the terms of the above-mentioned CC BY SA 4.0 license.

Journal

Mining Revue – de Gruyter

Published: Sep 1, 2022

Keywords: coal; energy; production of electrical energy; environmental protection

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