Understanding the Effects of Thermal Power Plants on Regional Water Quality Based on Satellite-Derived Data in Yunnan
Understanding the Effects of Thermal Power Plants on Regional Water Quality Based on Satellite-Derived Data in Yunnan
In 2020, Energy Foundation China supported Planet-Data Inc. to investigate consequences that thermal power plants have on water temperature, chlorophyll concentration, and transparency in China’s southwestern province of Yunnan. Using satellite data, this report in November 2020 shows that both chlorophyll concentration and water transparency are positively correlated with water temperature in the Yangzonghai basin, a finding that has been validated by invatigations on the ground. The report provides solid data evidence to policymakers and stakeholders who are pondering on issues such as water pollution control and site selection of power plants.