Strategic compliance planning using the NO{sub x}COMP computer model

Strategic planning for NO{sub x} compliance becomes more important as the NO{sub x} emission limits are reduced further for Phase 2 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA). Utilities in sensitive areas such as the Ozone Transport Region (OTR), or others which may be affected by the activities of the Ozone Transport Assessment Group (OTAG) may face still lower limits than the current Title 4, Phase 2 regulations. Effective compliance strategy development must take into account baseline NO{sub x} emissions, actual or future regulatory limits, emissions averaging and bubbling schemes, unit capacity factors and economic parameters, as well as the potential of various NO{sub x} control techniques under consideration. Stone and Webster has developed and used the NO{sub x}COMP technical/economic computer model to aid utilities in determining the least-cost, least-risk strategy for compliance with the NO{sub x} provisions of the CAAA. Designed specifically to be used throughout the implementation of a NO{sub x} compliance program, NO{sub x}COMP can be updated with post-modification data. By inputting actual cost and emissions performance information, the impact to the utility compliance program can be determined and the strategy adjusted accordingly. Better, or worse than expected, performance can be evaluated based on overallmore » compliance cost. NO{sub x}COMP uses input directly from the major load forecasting programs such as ENPRO and PROMOD, and when combined with the actual NO{sub x} vs. load profile for each boiler, develops projections of baseline annual NO{sub x} emissions. Least-cost compliance plans are determined by evaluating all applicable technologies to each unit, allowing marginal costs to be generated. For each scenario, the optimal NO{sub x} technology for each unit and associated costs are developed.« less