China urged to cut pollution from power plants

China was advised to adopt a strategy in reducing emissions from its coal-burning power plants.

According to a joint white paper by the China Electricity Council and the Environmental Defense Fund, a US-based environmental advocacy group, co-control of multiple pollutants is the right direction for the country's power sector as it is cleaner and more economical than dealing with single pollutants once at a time.

The white paper looked into the emission reduction efforts of China's power plants.

It added that the Chinese government should make scientific planning for the sector's work to reduce emissions, adopt the strategy of multi-pollutant control and improve the legal framework and supporting policies.

China's power sector has increased efforts to cut pollutants and carbon emissions in recent years, it said.

Data from the CEC showed the sector's carbon emission dropped by 57.51 million tons year on year in 2011.

At present, a major proportion of China's electricity comes from coal.

The country's coal-fired plants accounts for 71.6 percent of its total power generation.

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