Assessment of the paths for pollution and carbon reduction in thermal power plants and their impact on enterprise development.

Power plants, major emitters of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, must achieve pollution and carbon reduction synergy for low-carbon development and competitiveness. This study focuses on the enterprise-level challenges of thermal power plants by evaluating the pollution and carbon emission reduction path of a state-owned thermal power plant in northern China. The research applies the LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning) model for the emission analysis of pollutants and carbon dioxide from the power plants, and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to evaluate the internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats of power enterprises. The results indicate that 2.31 million t of CO2 were emitted during the thermal power production process in 2022. The company produced 3.89 billion kWh of clean energy, reducing CO2 emissions by 14,700 t from photovoltaic energy and 2.59 million t from hydropower. By 2030, clean energy is expected to exceed 80.00 % of installed capacity, reaching 20.00 million kW. This study predicts the emissions of pollutants and CO2 from power plants based on different development scenarios. Under comprehensive Scenario, CO2 emissions nearing zero by 2060, while SO2 and NOx emissions decrease by 97.29 % and 94.69 %. Cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) analysis shows initial increases to 1.80 by 2035 due to investments in clean energy and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology, then declines to 0.37 by 2060 with technological maturity and economies of scale. The study proposes a strategic low-carbon development plan emphasizing renewable energy expansion, technological innovation, and policy support to achieve sustainable power generation and improve market competitiveness.