Combustion Utilization of High-Chlorine Coal: Current Status and Future Prospects

Kang Hong, Tuo Zhou, Man Zhang, Yuyang Zeng, Weicheng Li () and Hairui Yang ()
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Kang Hong: School of Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
Tuo Zhou: Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Man Zhang: Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Yuyang Zeng: School of Energy and Power Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
Weicheng Li: Dongfang Boiler Co., Ltd., Dongfang Electric Group, Zigong 643099, China
Hairui Yang: School of Electrical Engineering, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: Under China’s “dual carbon” goals (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality), the utilization of high-chlorine coal faces significant challenges due to its abundant reserves in regions such as Xinjiang and its notable environmental impacts. This study systematically investigates the combustion characteristics, environmental risks, and control strategies for high-chlorine coal. Key findings reveal that chlorine release occurs in three distinct stages, namely low-temperature desorption, medium-temperature organic bond cleavage, and high-temperature inorganic decomposition, with release kinetics governed by coal metamorphism and the reaction atmosphere. Chlorine synergistically enhances mercury oxidation through low-activation-energy pathways but exacerbates boiler corrosion via chloride–sulfate interactions. Advanced control technologies—such as water washing, calcium-based sorbents, and integrated pyrolysis–gasification systems—demonstrate substantial emission reductions. However, challenges remain in addressing high-temperature corrosion and optimizing multi-pollutant synergistic control. This study provides critical insights into the clean utilization of high-chlorine coal, supporting sustainable energy transitions.

Keywords: occurrence modes and geochemical characteristics of chlorine; release dynamics during high-chlorine coal combustion; chlorine-induced corrosion and synergistic effects; pollution control technologies (mercury/dioxins); environmental–ecological impacts and atmospheric chemistry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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