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Is there a difference in the scrubbers needed in coal-fired power plants and wood-fired power plants?

Last Updated: February 16, 2010

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Yes. Burning wood produces almost no sulfur, so sulfur dioxide scrubbers are not needed. Wood-fired power plants also produce lower levels of mercury and nitrogen. Wood will have more particulate matter (ash and soot), which can be removed fairly easily with simple mechanical systems such as cyclones and baghouses. This FAQ was adapted from Wood to Energy and used with permission.

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