A new publication from the RI-URBANS community investigates how the CET Vest thermal power plant influences air pollution in Bucharest, Romania.

Using a novel mix of low-cost sensors, satellite data (TropOMI, CAMS), and advanced statistical models (LUR, Random Forests), the study evaluated pollutant levels near the plant and across the city—aligned with the revised EU Air Quality Directive 2884/2024/EC.

Key findings:

• NO₂ is the main pollutant linked to the plant, especially in winter.

• Residential heating  is the dominant source of PM pollution in colder months rather than the power plant.

• Wind patterns generally disperse emissions away from residential areas.

This multi-source approach provides valuable insight into the role of industrial sources vs. local heating and traffic in urban air pollution.

 Read the full story of this interesting study led by Doina Nicolae  here