This study aims to evaluate the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal combustion in Brazil. A methodology using the emission factors estimated specifically for Brazilian coals is proposed. The use of secondary fuels and the electricity produced by the power plants were also considered in the calculations. The results obtained indicated carbon emissions of 1,794 Gg year-1 for 2002. In some cases 20% lower emissions were observed in comparison to the official methodology (MCT) that does not consider coal moisture and uses generic emission coefficients not adapted for Brazilian coal. The results suggest that national inventories must be revised and combustion systems should be updated in order to increase efficiency and to reduce CO2 emissions as a sustainable measure for the coal use in the country.
Coal; carbon emission; combustion
