Process Optimization Guidance (POG and iPOG) for Mercury Emissions Control

This paper presents guidance and an interactive software tool developed to identify and assess options for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants within the context of international efforts to address mercury pollution. It outlines the scope of available control strategies, including optimisation of existing pollution control systems, fuel modifications, and dedicated technologies, and introduces a structured decision-support framework. The methodology relies on statistical analysis of field data and simplified input requirements to estimate emissions and removal efficiencies across different plant configurations and operating conditions. Case studies demonstrate the tool’s application in evaluating alternative scenarios, while limitations related to data constraints and system variability are explicitly acknowledged.