Flue Gas Desulphurisation Policy

Recent discussions have emerged regarding the Government of India’s policy on Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment in coal-fired power plants. A study by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) suggests that the 2015 mandate requiring all 537 coal plants to install FGD should be reconsidered. The analysis indicates that only plants using high sulphur or imported coal should be required to comply.

Current Status of FGD Implementation

As of now, only 8% of coal-fired plants have installed FGD equipment. The deadline for compliance has been extended to 2027, 2028, and 2029. Currently, 230 plants are in the process of installation while 260 have not yet placed orders. The cost of FGD installation is estimated at ₹1.2 crore per megawatt (MW), which raises concerns about financial viability.

Coal Quality and Emission Concerns

The NIAS study marks that 92% of coal used in Indian thermal plants has low sulphur content, ranging from 0.3% to 0.5%. Existing regulations on stack heights ensure that sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions do not impact local air quality. A 2024 study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi found that acid rain is not a major issue in India, reinforcing the argument against blanket FGD installation.

Impact on CO2 Emissions

Installing FGD systems in all plants may lead to increased power and freshwater consumption. It is projected that this could generate an additional 69 million tonnes of CO2 emissions between 2025 and 2030. The NIAS study warns that removing short-lived SO2 emissions while increasing long-lived CO2 emissions could exacerbate global warming.

Focus on Particulate Matter Pollution

The NIAS report advocates for prioritising the reduction of particulate matter (PM) pollution instead of SO2. It suggests using electrostatic precipitators, which are cheaper at ₹25 lakh per MW and could reduce PM pollution by up to 99%. This approach is considered more impactful for addressing air quality issues from thermal power plants.

Policy Recommendations

The study concludes that the Environment Ministry’s FGD policy should be rolled back. It argues that the evidence supports a more targeted approach, focusing on reducing PM emissions rather than imposing FGD on all plants. Dr. R. Srikanth, a co-author of the study, emphasised the need for policy revision based on the findings.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the implications of the Flue Gas Desulphurisation policy on India’s energy landscape.
2. Discuss in the light of environmental impacts, the efficiency of coal-fired power plants in India.
3. Critically discuss the role of particulate matter pollution in urban air quality management.
4. What are the potential effects of increasing CO2 emissions on global warming? How can India balance its energy needs with environmental concerns?

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the implications of the Flue Gas Desulphurisation policy on India’s energy landscape.

1. FGD installation costs ₹1.2 crore per MW, impacting financial viability for many plants.
2. Only 8% of coal-fired plants have installed FGD, with extended deadlines to 2029.
3. 92% of Indian coal has low sulphur content, questioning the necessity of blanket FGD installation.
4. Compliance may lead to increased power and freshwater consumption, affecting energy efficiency.
5. Potential shift in focus towards more cost-effective solutions for pollution control, such as electrostatic precipitators.

2. Discuss in the light of environmental impacts, the efficiency of coal-fired power plants in India.

1. Current regulations on stack heights mitigate SO2 emissions, maintaining local air quality.
2. Only 8% of plants have installed FGD, raising questions about the efficiency of existing systems.
3. High ash content in Indian coal contributes to particulate matter pollution.
4. IIT-Delhi’s study indicates acid rain is not concern, suggesting FGD may not be necessary.
5. Prioritizing PM reduction could lead to more effective environmental management than blanket FGD mandates.

3. Critically discuss the role of particulate matter pollution in urban air quality management.

1. Particulate matter (PM) is a major contributor to urban air quality issues, affecting health and visibility.
2. Electrostatic precipitators can reduce PM pollution by 99%, offering a more effective solution than FGD.
3. The high ash content of Indian coal increases PM emissions from thermal power plants.
4. Efforts to control PM will have a more immediate impact on urban air quality than SO2 emissions control.
5. Addressing PM pollution aligns with broader public health goals and sustainable urban planning.

4. What are the potential effects of increasing CO2 emissions on global warming? How can India balance its energy needs with environmental concerns?

1. Increased CO2 emissions contribute to long-term global warming, with projections of an additional 69 million tonnes by 2030.
2. Removing SO2 while increasing CO2 could exacerbate climate change, according to the NIAS study.
3. India’s coal capacity is projected to rise, necessitating a balance between energy needs and emissions reduction.
4. Transitioning to cleaner technologies and prioritizing PM control can mitigate environmental impacts.
5. Implementing energy efficiency measures and renewable sources can help balance energy demands with sustainability goals.