Sulfur oxides are generated from the burning of fossil fuels. In Japan the major source of SO2 pollution is from the burning of heavy fuel oil by the electric power generating plants. The primary methods currently being practiced to control this pollution are flue gas desulfurization (FGD) and burning low sulfur fuels. To evaluate these advances for their potential application in the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency organized an industry/government task force to visit Japan to obtain first hand information on their experience with FGD systems. The task force members' observations during that trip, their prior knowledge, and information gathered from referenced sources comprise this report. The first section provides an overview of the: Japanese energy status, SO2 pollution emissions control regulations, The general status of FGD applications in the industrial and utility sectors, Comparison of Japanese and U.S. experience. The second section provides detailed technical information on selected FGD installations visited including plant/FGD specifications, performance information and process flow diagrams. An appendix provides further information concerning members of the visiting task force, a listing of plants visited, and numbers and capacities of FGD systems in Japan.

"TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, Emission Control Development Projects, Division of Chemical Development." "EPRI, Electric Power Research Institute, Air Quality Group." "Decision series"--Cover. "Interagency Energy/Environment Research and Development Program." "November 1979." "EPA/600-9-79-043." Includes bibliographical references.