Environmental Leadership
A better environment for future generations
Atmospheric analyst Dr. Qi Mao is exploring and assessing the next-generation weather forecasting models for improving air quality simulation across the region. Dr. Mao (above, with his sons Allen and Max) earned his master’s in meteorology at the Nanjing Institute of Meteorology and his Ph.D. in geophysical fluid dynamics at Florida State. Says Dr. Mao, “All my training comes into play as we assess complex atmospheric interactions at a regional level, which helps TVA’s ongoing efforts to improve the air quality in the Valley.”
Since 1977, TVA has reduced its sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by approximately 80 percent through clean-air technologies—including scrubbers at seven of its larger units, with three more under construction—and switching to lower-sulfur coals. When the last scrubbers are completed, TVA’s SO2 emissions should be reduced by as much as 85 percent from 1977 levels. Since 1995, TVA has reduced its nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions during the summer (when ozone levels increase) by approximately 81 percent. It has done this by installing various combustion controls on all 59 coal-fired units and selective catalytic reduction technology on 21 of its units.
In 1995, TVA was the first energy provider to participate in the Climate Challenge, a voluntary government program for electric utilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. TVA now supports that program’s successor, Climate Vision, which calls for an 18-percent reduction in greenhouse gas intensity by 2012. TVA is also a member of the Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership and is working with the Electric Power Research Institute and others to investigate technologies for carbon dioxide capture and geologic storage.
I proudly accept.
Dr. Qi Mao
Atmospheric Analyst, Research & Technology Applications