India has significantly scaled back its clean-air mandate for coal-fired power plants, exempting a large majority from installing flue gas desulphurization (FGD) systems. This reverses a decade-old policy aimed at curbing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from these plants.

Background and Rationale

In 2015, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) mandated the installation of FGD systems in all of India's coal-fired plants, totaling 537 at the time. The goal was to reduce SO2 emissions, a major contributor to air pollution and acid rain. SO2 released from burning coal can mix in the atmosphere and create secondary particulate matter, which is linked to air pollution. The original deadlines for compliance have been extended multiple times, with the most recent being December 31, 2024.

A high-powered expert committee, led by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood, recently recommended scrapping the mandatory FGD installation policy. The committee's assessment suggested that FGDs may no longer be necessary, which signals a potential shift in India's pollution control strategy. The Environment Ministry is currently reviewing the committee's recommendation, and the Power and Environment Ministries will make the final decision.

Revised Emission Standards

Under the revised standards, only about 11% of India's 600 thermal power plant (TPP) units are now required to install FGD systems mandatorily. These plants, classified as ‘Category A,’ are located within a 10 km radius of the National Capital Region (NCR) or in cities with a population of at least one million based on the 2011 Census. These plants were initially required to implement FGD systems by 2017 but have received multiple extensions, with the latest deadline being December 30, 2027. Another 11% of plants near populated cities may be required to install the equipment on a "case-to-case basis," according to a notification. The remaining plants are largely exempt.

Reasons for Non-Compliance and the Policy Shift

Several factors contributed to the slow adoption of FGD technology and the subsequent policy revision. These include: * High Costs and Limited Vendor Availability: The installation of FGD systems is expensive, and there are a limited number of vendors in India capable of carrying out the work. A FGD system costs 12 million rupees ($141,000) per megawatt of capacity. * Potential Rise in Electricity Tariffs: The cost of installing and operating FGDs could lead to an increase in electricity prices, which is a concern for consumers and policymakers. * COVID-19 Delays: The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions and delays in the implementation of FGD projects. * Low Sulfur Content in Indian Coal: Studies have indicated that Indian coal generally has a low sulfur content. * Ambient SO2 Levels: The committee noted that SO2 levels in ambient air across the country are well below India's air quality norms. Moreover, SO2 levels in cities near plants with operational FGD units do not significantly differ from those without these units. * Potential Increase in Carbon Emissions: One argument against FGDs is that their use might increase carbon dioxide emissions and worsen global warming. Installing FGDs in all TPPs by 2030 could increase CO2 emissions by approximately 69 million tons (between 2025 and 2030).

Implications and Concerns

The decision to spare the majority of coal-based TPPs from installing FGD systems has raised concerns about its potential impact on air quality and public health. While the government argues that SO2 levels are within acceptable limits and that FGDs may not be necessary, critics fear that relaxing emission standards could lead to increased pollution and respiratory diseases.

Moving Forward

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is currently reviewing the recommendations regarding FGD units, and the Ministry of Power will await the CPCB's decision before implementing any further changes. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing discussions about balancing environmental concerns, economic factors, and energy needs in India's power sector.