According to a recent report published by Greenpeace, a globally recognized environmental Non-Governmental Organization, India has been recognized as the world’s largest Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) emitter. The report reveals that India is responsible for over 15% of the global anthropogenic emissions. The main factor contributing to this high emission level is the expansion of coal-based electricity generation that has occurred over the past ten years.
India’s Top SO2 Emission Hotspots
The same report identified five of the top ten SO2 emission hotspots globally, emanating from coal and power generation industries, are located within the boundaries of India. These SO2 emission hotspots include Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh, Neyveli and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Talcher and Jharsuguda in Odisha, Korba in Chhattisgarh, Kutch in Gujarat, Ramagundam in Telangana, and finally Chandrapur and Koradi in Maharashtra. These emissions were detected by NASA’s OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite.
Absence of Flue-Gas Desulfurization Technology in Indian Coal-based Power Plants
A concerning aspect revealed by the report is the lack of Flue-Gas Desulfurization (FGD) technology in the majority of these Indian coal-based power plants. FGD technology can markedly reduce air pollution. It works by controlling sulfur dioxide present in flue gas from fossil-fuel power plants through an absorption process. There are two types of FGD systems: wet scrubbing and dry scrubbing.
Table of Global SO2 Emission Hotspots
| Country | SO2 Emission Status |
|---|---|
| Russia | Stagnant |
| South Africa | Stagnant |
| Iran | Increasing |
| Saudi Arabia | Increasing |
| India | Increasing |
| Mexico | Stagnant |
| United Arab Emirates | Unknown |
| Turkey | Stagnant |
| Serbia | Unknown |
Link Between SO2 and Air Pollution
SO2 emissions significantly contribute to air pollution. High levels of SO2 in the atmosphere often result in the creation of other Sulfur Oxides (SOx). These SOx can react with different compounds present in the atmosphere, forming small particles. These particles constitute Particulate Matter (PM) pollution, which may penetrate deeply into lungs when inhaled, leading to health concerns. As per the World Health Organisation, air pollution is a major public health concern, causing around 4.2 million premature deaths annually.
Evolving Situation in India
Unfortunately, the situation in India seems to be worsening, with an increase in SO2 emissions at already established hotspots and the emergence of new emission sites across the country. Despite the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change introducing SO2 emission limits for coal-fired power plants in December 2015, the Supreme Court delayed installation deadlines for FGD technology in power plants to December 2019 for Delhi-NCR and until 2022 for other parts of the country. This has led environmental experts to call for strict action on coal power plants nationwide.
