Shenyang sees improvement in air quality

Shenyang witnessed significant improvements in its air quality during the first half of 2017, according to information released by Shenyang environmental protection bureau.

As of June 30, Shenyang had experienced 124 days with air quality rated either “excellent” or “good” –– 16 more days than that of the same period in 2017. Meanwhile, the concentration of PM2.5 and PM 10 particles decreased. 

Emissions caused by burning coal remain the main source of pollution in the city. 

Consumption of coal in Shenyang is around 33 million tons per year, accounting for 90 percent of annual energy consumption in the city.

In recent years, Shenyang has made great efforts to improve the city’s air quality.

In 2018, a total of 4.19 billion yuan ($630.4 million) was earmarked by the government of Shenyang to tackle air pollution. In addition, Liaoning province has set up a special fund worth 26 million yuan for the city to tackle air pollution.

Meanwhile, a total of 110 comprehensive management platforms have been established to monitor air quality and enable a quick response to air pollution emergencies.

To continue improving air quality, Shenyang will upgrade or remove coal-fired boilers, promote clean energy and strengthen the monitoring of plants discharging waste gases.

This year, Shenyang plans to remove 365 coal-fired boilers –– 300 industrial-use boilers, and 65 standard boilers used for heating.

So far, 133 coal-fired boilers have been removed.

In addition, construction work on coal-fired boilers denitrification projects with a handling capacity of 5,000 T/h will be nearly complete by the end of October.