Q. With reference to Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) in India, consider the following statements:

1. Only thermal power plants using high sulphur or imported coal should be mandated to install FGDs.
2. FGDs increase freshwater and power consumption.
3. FGDs reduce short-lived SO₂ emissions.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: 1, 2, and 3
Notes: Only thermal power plants using high sulphur or imported coal should be mandated to install FGDs. Correct. Initially, the focus was on thermal power plants using high-sulphur or imported coal, as these plants tend to produce higher emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂). The policy emphasized installing FGDs in such plants, as they have a greater need for sulfur removal to meet environmental standards. FGDs increase freshwater and power consumption. Correct. FGD systems, particularly wet scrubbers, use water to remove SO₂ from flue gases. As a result, freshwater consumption increases for the scrubbing process. Additionally, power consumption increases because the operation of the FGD system requires additional energy, making the process energy-intensive. FGDs reduce short-lived SO₂ emissions. Correct. FGDs are specifically designed to reduce SO₂ emissions, a major pollutant responsible for acid rain and respiratory problems. By removing sulfur compounds from flue gases, FGDs help in reducing short-lived SO₂ emissions.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.