Meghan Hodges
In the game Factorio, boilers use fuel to convert water into steam, which is then used in steam engines for power generation. While boilers do contribute to pollution, they do not generate pollution when idle or not in use. However, boilers that are part of an active steam engine setup will produce pollution. The amount of pollution generated depends on the fuel used and the efficiency of the setup. Pollution in Factorio attracts biters, which will attempt to reach and destroy the source of pollution. Keeping pollution levels low is generally recommended, and this can be achieved through the use of solar power, landfill, and efficient building practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do boilers generate pollution when inactive? | No, boilers and other machines using fuel will not produce pollution when idle/not working. |
| Do boilers generate pollution when active? | Yes, 4MJ of electric energy in a boiler system creates about 80 pollution. |
| What happens when there is a lot of pollution? | Pollution attracts biters to the Player's factory. Biters in a polluted area will attempt to reach the source of pollution and destroy it. |
| How to keep pollution down? | Use solar, lay down landfill, and build efficiently without overbuilding. |
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What You'll Learn
Boilers idle/not working: no pollution
In the game Factorio, boilers are used in conjunction with offshore pumps and steam engines to generate power. Boilers use fuel to convert water into steam, which is then used by steam engines to generate electricity. While boilers do contribute to pollution when active, they do not produce pollution when they are idle or not working.
This is because boilers and other machines that use fuel will only generate pollution when they are actively consuming fuel and performing work. When idle, these machines do not consume fuel and therefore do not produce any pollution. However, it is important to note that boilers will still have a passive power draw when inactive, which can be minimized by using non-burner inserters or power switches.
Additionally, while boilers themselves may not pollute when idle, the process of mining and processing the fuel used in boilers can contribute to pollution. For example, the creation of a fuel cell involves mining and processing uranium ore, which can result in significant pollution. Similarly, the use of coal as fuel in boilers contributes to a quarter of the pollution generated by a coal-powered system.
To reduce pollution in Factorio, players can transition to more efficient power sources such as solar, nuclear, or steam engines. Solar panels, in particular, can help reduce pollution as they do not produce any pollution themselves and can replace the need for boilers. Proper landfill management and efficient building design can also help minimize pollution.
Overall, while boilers in Factorio do contribute to pollution when active, they do not produce pollution when idle or turned off. By managing fuel usage, transitioning to cleaner power sources, and adopting sustainable building practices, players can effectively reduce pollution in their factories.
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Boilers in use: pollution created
Boilers in Factorio are used to convert water into steam, which can then be used in steam engines to generate power. While boilers do contribute to pollution, it is important to note that idle boilers do not produce pollution. Pollution is only generated when the boiler is active and consuming fuel to produce steam.
The amount of pollution created by boilers depends on various factors, including the type of fuel used and the efficiency of the setup. For example, using coal as fuel will result in a higher pollution output compared to using uranium ore. Additionally, the process of mining the fuel can also contribute to pollution, accounting for about a quarter of the pollution produced by a coal-powered boiler.
To reduce pollution from boilers, players can consider transitioning to more efficient power sources, such as solar or nuclear energy. By reducing the reliance on boiler-powered electric grids, the overall pollution generated can be decreased. Additionally, players can also explore using efficiency modules and optimizing their building layouts to further minimize pollution.
It is worth noting that while boilers contribute to pollution, they are not the only source. Other machines, such as assembling machines and smelters, also produce pollution. Therefore, it is important to consider the overall design and energy infrastructure of your factory to effectively manage pollution levels.
While it is advisable to keep pollution levels in check, it is not necessary to obsess over every minor detail. Strategies like using solar power, landfill, and efficient building design can help mitigate pollution. Additionally, tools like flamethrowers can be employed to scrub pollution and prevent it from spreading to biter bases, where it can be concentrated and sent back to your defenses.
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Pollution reduction: solar panels, landfill, efficient building
According to players of the game Factorio, boilers and other machines that use fuel do not produce pollution when they are idle or not working. However, electrical machines will produce a tiny amount of pollution, even when idle. One player noted that they witnessed a big drop in pollution over time after switching from steam engines to solar panels.
Solar panels are indeed a clean energy alternative, with the carbon footprint of rooftop solar panels being roughly 12 times less than natural gas and 20 times less than coal in terms of CO2 emissions per kWh of electricity generated. However, solar panels do emit around 41 grams of CO2 equivalent emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated, and most of these lifecycle emissions are tied to the process of manufacturing the panels. Nevertheless, these emissions are offset by clean energy production within the first three years of operation.
Landfills, on the other hand, contribute to pollution. While they are necessary for the proper disposal of solid waste, they release methane gas as organic matter decomposes, which is a potent greenhouse gas and a significant contributor to climate change. Landfills also produce carbon dioxide, water vapour, and trace amounts of other gases. Additionally, the creation of landfills often involves the destruction of natural habitats, and the liners used to contain waste can leak, leading to water source contamination and further ecosystem damage.
To reduce pollution, efficient building practices can be employed. This includes the use of sustainable, non-toxic, and air-purifying building materials to limit off-gassing of pollutants, as well as improving building fabric to reduce exposure to outdoor pollutants and create a more comfortable, energy-efficient indoor environment. Additionally, improving building quality can reduce the demand for heating and lighting, and the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can further reduce emissions and improve air quality.
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Pollution scrubbing: flamethrowers
In Factorio, boilers are used in conjunction with offshore pumps and steam engines to generate power. They use fuel to convert water into steam at 165°C, which can then be used in a steam engine to generate energy. Boilers only consume fuel when creating steam, and they do not produce any pollution when idle or not working.
Now, let's discuss pollution scrubbing with flamethrowers:
Flamethrowers are an effective method for "scrubbing" or reducing pollution in Factorio. When there is a high level of pollution, it can spread to nearby biter bases. The biters will then concentrate the pollution into mobile packets and send them back to the player's flamethrowers to be destroyed. This process does not require any belts or trains to transport the pollution packets, making it a convenient option for players.
It is worth noting that while flamethrowers are useful for pollution scrubbing, they may also contribute to pollution creation. Additionally, players can employ other strategies to keep pollution levels low, such as using solar power, laying down landfill, and building efficiently.
To monitor pollution levels, players can refer to the pollution tab in the production GUI, which displays pollution as a red cloud on the map. This information can help players make informed decisions about their pollution scrubbing strategies, including the use of flamethrowers.
Overall, while flamethrowers can be an effective tool for managing pollution in Factorio, it is important to consider their potential impact on pollution levels and explore complementary strategies for maintaining low pollution levels.
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Pollution stats: production tab
The "Pollution" tab in the production statistics provides valuable insights into the player's pollution generation and consumption rates. It helps players understand the impact of their activities on the environment and make informed decisions to minimise pollution.
When it comes to boilers, it's important to note that they do not produce pollution when idle or not in use. Boilers are only considered inactive when there is no fuel being consumed to generate steam. In such cases, as mentioned by a player, their setup had a big drop in pollution after switching from steam engines to solar panels. This indicates that the boilers themselves do not contribute significantly to pollution levels when inactive.
However, it's worth mentioning that boilers have a passive power draw, resulting in minimal pollution generation. This is because boilers are often connected to other equipment, such as other boilers or steam engines, and this interconnected system can lead to small amounts of pollution. Additionally, boilers are a vital part of early power generation, and their usage can impact the overall pollution levels in the game.
While the pollution tab offers transparency into pollution levels, players should avoid obsessing over the exact numbers. Instead, a balanced approach is recommended, focusing on efficient building practices, utilising solar power, and laying down landfill to minimise pollution without sacrificing progress.
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Frequently asked questions
Boilers and other machines that use fuel will not produce pollution when they are idle or not working. However, boilers will still produce a very minute amount of pollution due to their passive power draw.
You can keep pollution down by using solar power, laying down landfill, and building efficiently.
When there is a lot of pollution, it will spread to biter bases. The biters will then concentrate the pollution into mobile packets and send them to your flamethrowers to be destroyed.
Pollution causes trees to degenerate slowly. If the total pollution in a chunk is above 60 units, trees will lose leaves or become more grey, absorbing 10 pollution per tree.
You can look at the pollution tab in the production statistics to see exactly how much pollution you're producing and how much is being consumed.
