§ Mr. Brightasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if any experiments on the introduction of metallic elements into the flame areas of boilers using untreated fuel oil in power stations in order to reduce the formation of acidic gases have been conducted by the Central Electricity Generating Board or by any body for which he is responsible;
(2) what has been the outcome of experiments at the Coal Research Establishment on the addition of antifouling additives in terms of the quantity of oxides of nitrogen produced by combustion in coal-fired boilers of the kind used in power stations;
(3) if consideration has been given to the treatment of fuels prior to combustion in power stations as a means of inhibiting acid rain.
§ Mr. GoodladThe Central Electricity Generating Board maintains a wide ranging programme of research into methods of reducing acid emissions from power stations including the treatment of fuels prior to combustion. I understand that the evidence to date does not support the use of such techniques for emission control at the board's plant. I also understand that the introduction of metal compounds into the flame area of oil fired boilers has been found to be effective as a means of reducing acid dewpoint corrosion in the plant and the formation of acid smuts but not as a means of reducing emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides.
British Coal informs me that the coal research establishment has not undertaken any tests on the effect of anti-fouling additives in boilers of the type used in a large modern power plant. Such tests are under way for industrial boilers but the results, in terms of the quantity of oxides of nitrogen emitted, have not been promising.