FGD Exemption for Thermal Power Plants

GS3 – Environment

Context

The Environment Ministry has exempted most coal-fired power plants from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems—initially mandated in 2015 to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions.

FGD Importance

FGDs are critical for removing SO₂, a pollutant linked to acid rain and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), both hazardous to health and ecosystems. However, compliance remained low, with only around 8% of plants (mostly NTPC-run) having installed them by 2024.

Highlights of the Policy Shift

• 80% of thermal plants are now exempt from FGD installation.
• FGDs are now mandatory only for plants near:
  • Delhi-NCR (within 10 km),
  • Cities with populations exceeding 1 million,
  • Identified pollution hotspots.
• Compliance deadline for these select plants has been pushed to 2028.

Government’s Justifications

• Cost and Supply Constraints: High costs and a limited number of suppliers could raise electricity prices.
• Pandemic Delays: COVID-19 caused implementation disruptions.
• Low-Sulphur Coal Argument: Indian coal is considered low in sulphur, allegedly keeping SO₂ levels in check.
• Climate Argument: Officials claim SO₂-derived sulphates reflect sunlight and cool the planet—a scientifically controversial position.

Concerns Raised

• Health Risk Ignored: SO₂ contributes to respiratory diseases and PM2.5 pollution.
• Unequal Standards: Selective regulation undermines environmental equity.
• Lack of Transparency: The rollback lacked adequate public or legislative oversight.
• Dubious Climate Claims: The rationale contradicts global scientific consensus, including IPCC reports.

Policy Recommendations

• Apply uniform air quality standards nationwide.
• Promote domestic FGD manufacturing with policy incentives.
• Ensure regulatory changes are science-based and involve public consultation.
• Recognise pollution control as a health imperative.
• Improve monitoring capacities of pollution control boards and ensure open access to data.