What is the number one issue facing the power generation industry? Controlling emissions, while at the same time remaining economically competitive, must be a strong contender. And in recent years the pressures on fossil fuelled generators to clean up have increased inexorably, and show every sign of  growing - creating a number of complex challenges for operators, as well as interesting opportunities for those able to offer solutions.

This is what led us, three years ago, to launch our EXPPERTS conference series, with the aim of providing a dedicated annual forum for those grappling with the practicalities of power plant emissions reduction.
With carbon dioxide concerns are dominant in the public and political arena, and will of course be addressed at EXPPERTS 2008, we make a point of not neglecting the "conventional" pollutants - SOx, NOx and particulates - as well as exploring the interactions between these and the carbon capture technologies that will inevitably be part of our future. There will also be discussion of mercury control.

The evolving regulatory framework is high up on our agenda. Specifically this year we will be looking at the EU Commission’s efforts to rationalise the bewildering array of directives that impact on emissions. Increased clarity is to be commended and greatly welcomed, but what are the implications for the power generators? We look forward to hearing the views of Electrabel, our event partner this year, and of Tauron Energia Polska, which will provide a perspective on the predicament facing Poland, with its 96% dependence on coal for electricity generation.

Locating this year's event in Brussels - the administrative centre of the European Union - enables us to take advantage of the pioneering role that Electrabel has played in the field of biomass co-firing. This year the third day of the conference will take the form of a workshop on the nitty-gritty of  biomass co-firing, with operators' perspectives from some key players including Kema, Electrabel, Laborelec, and Dong. The workshop will be held at a particularly appropriate place, the Ruien power plant, which has been a leader in the co-firing business, and there will be an opportunity to tour the plant and hear from its uniquely qualified senior staff.

If emissions are important to you - and if you are in the power industry, they must be - then make sure you book your place at EXPPERTS 2008.

I look forward to meeting you in Brussels!

James Varley
Managing Editor
Modern Power Systems Magazine

Please click here to view the digital EXPPERTS 2008 brochure, or click here to download a PDF version