A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has discovered that less than 8% of coal-based power plants in India have implemented the Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission reduction technology recommended by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This alarming finding presents a significant environmental challenge, as India is the largest global emitter of SO2 according to a 2019 Greenpeace study.
Technologies for Reducing SO2 Emissions
To reduce SO2 emissions and curb pollution, a couple of primary technologies are widely recommended – Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) and Circulating Fluidised Bed Combustion (CFBC).
FGD is a process aimed at removing sulfur compounds from the exhaust emissions of fossil-fuelled power stations. Accomplished through the addition of absorbents, FGD can eliminate up to 95% of the sulfur dioxide in the flue gas, the material emitted when fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas are burned for heat or power.
On the other hand, CFBC Boiler is an environmentally-friendly power facility designed to reduce the emission of pollutants like nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide by simultaneously injecting air and lime for burning. Solid particles fluidize when the pressurized fluid passes through them, transforming their state from static to dynamic, thus aiding in the reduction of pollutants.
Findings from the CREA Analysis: A Dire Picture
The CREA analysis paints a concerning picture of India’s efforts to control emissions from coal-powered plants. Just a combined capacity of 16.5 Gigawatts (GW) of such plants have installed FGDs and CFBC boilers equating to 5.9 GW across India – a small fraction compared to the country’s total energy generation capacity standing at 425 GW. Intriguingly, 92% of the nation’s coal power plants function without FGDs.
A significant factor contributing to these alarming statistics is the repeated extension of deadlines for all coal power plants to control emissions by MoEF&CC and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), without sufficient progress checks. Since its introduction in 2015, the deadline for emissions standards has been extended four times for units in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and three times for most other units.
Power Plant Categorisation for FGD Installation: A Geographic Approach
In 2021, the MoEF&CC introduced a geographic division to enforce emission reduction deadlines on coal power plants. Category A includes plants within a 10-kilometer radius of the National Capital Region (NCR) and cities with over a million population. Category B covers a 10 km radius of critically polluted or non-attainment areas, while Category C includes the remaining plants across the country. Most of the nation’s power plants belong to Category C and have the longest deadlines.
About the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
CREA is an independent research organisation focused on unveiling trends, causes and health impacts of air pollution, and potential solutions. By using scientific data and research, it supports the efforts of governments, companies and organisations worldwide to transition towards clean energy and promote cleaner air.
Steps Towards Cleaner Energy: The Way Forward
Addressing this environmental challenge requires immediate attention and dedicated effort. Firstly, the installation of FGD technology in coal-based power plants needs prioritisation and acceleration. Incentivising the adoption of this technology can ensure compliance with the MoEF&CC’s emission standards.
Expanding the implementation of CFBC technology is also necessary, through providing support and incentives for power plants to adopt this more environmentally sustainable method. Strengthening regulatory mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing emission standards is crucial, including the implementation of strict penalties for non-compliance.
Lastly, substantial investments in research and development can lead to advancements that go beyond current standards, fostering innovation in clean energy solutions and emission control technologies, thus making coal-based power generation more sustainable for the future.
