Flu Gas Desulphurisation Policy
A high-powered committee, led by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood, recommended changes to the country’s approach to Flu Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs). This recommendation comes after an extensive review of data and reports from various scientific institutions. The committee’s findings suggest that FGD installation may not be necessary for the majority of TPPs, which could have far-reaching implications for India’s energy sector and environmental policies.
Background on Flu Gas Desulphurisation
FGD units are designed to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from coal-fired power plants. These units have been mandated for installation in all TPPs to meet air quality standards. However, only 8% of India’s 600 TPPs have complied with this requirement, primarily due to high costs and a limited number of installation vendors.
Key Findings of the Committee
The committee’s assessment indicated that ambient SO2 levels in India are well below permissible limits. They noted that Indian coal has low sulphur content and that cities near plants with FGD units do not show differences in SO2 levels compared to those without. The committee concluded that the installation of FGDs may not be necessary for most plants.
Environmental Considerations
The committee raised concerns that installing FGDs could inadvertently increase carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Their analysis suggested that while SO2 emissions could be reduced, the associated rise in CO2 could exacerbate global warming. They estimated that installing FGDs by 2030 could lead to an increase of approximately 69 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Proposed Policy Changes
The committee recommended that only TPPs located within a 10-km radius of major cities be required to install FGDs. This includes 66 Category A plants, of which only 14 have installed FGDs. Other plants, particularly those classified as Category B and C, may be exempt from FGD installation based on specific assessments.
Compliance with Air Quality Standards
The committee emphasised that compliance with National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standards is crucial for public health. They argued that TPPs could meet these standards without mandatory FGD installation, provided they adhere to existing stack emission standards for particulate matter and freshwater consumption.
Future Implications
The recommendations from this committee could reshape India’s energy policies . They indicate a shift towards a more flexible approach to environmental regulations, balancing economic considerations with public health and environmental protection. The decision is currently under review by the Ministry of Environment.
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