Flue Gas Desulphurization Units: Equipment Used for Removing Sulfur Dioxide from Power Plant Emissions
In a contentious decision, the Indian government has been considering a rollback of the mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems in coal-fired thermal power plants. The arguments for and against this move revolve around economic, operational, environmental, and public health concerns.
On the one hand, proponents of the rollback argue that it would bring significant economic benefits. The exemption could save thermal power producers Rs 87,000 to Rs 1,16,000 crore in capital expenditure, and annual tariff expenses of Rs 19,000 crore to Rs 24,000 crore, resulting in a reduction of Rs 0.17 to Rs 0.22 per unit in electricity cost for consumers and the industry [3]. Plants located outside sensitive zones, using coal with a relatively lower sulphur content (below 0.5%), are the main beneficiaries of this selective exemption [4].
However, opponents of the rollback argue that FGD systems are crucial for removing sulphur dioxide (SO2), a major air pollutant that contributes to acid rain, particulate pollution (PM2.5), and various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases [1][2]. SO2 emissions also contribute to the formation of fine sulfate particles that significantly harm human health and the environment. Critics maintain that diluting the 2015 notification to install FGDs undermines efforts to reduce pollution and prevent up to 48,000 premature deaths annually in India that are attributable to SO2 pollution from coal plants [2].
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) made the installation of FGD systems mandatory for all coal-fired thermal power plants in 2015. However, compliance has been low, with only 39 units commissioned by August 2024 [5]. The policy timeline for the FGD system installation has been extended several times, with the latest deadline being 2024/25/26 for different categories of plants.
The government's stance appears to balance economic savings and operational feasibility for power plants against environmental and health concerns tied to air pollution control. The exemption mainly targets plants using low-sulfur coal outside sensitive areas to reduce financial burden, while opponents stress the urgent need for strict SO2 emission control given the significant health risks [1][2][3][4].
The debate extends beyond the rollback itself, encompassing various aspects such as the Precautionary Principle, Polluter Pays Principle, co-pollutant cuts, gypsum circularity, just-transition finance, and alignment with India's NCAP and SDG 3.9 targets [6]. The weakening of the FGD mandate risks reputational damage ahead of Global Stocktake-2 and undermines India's NCAP and SDG 3.9 targets [7].
Sources:
- India's power sector: The future of FGD
- Rollback of FGD mandate in India's power plants: A step backwards?
- Economic implications of FGD installation in India's power plants
- Environmental impact of FGD exemption in India's power plants
- Status of FGD installation in India's power plants
- FGD compliance pathway in India
- India's NCAP and SDG 3.9 targets
- The rollback of FGD systems in Indian thermal power plants raises concerns about the government's environmental strategy, as opponents argue it could exacerbate climate-change issues and contribute to health problems.
- The ongoing debate about the FGD rollback encompasses numerous policy-and-legislation aspects, including the Precautionary Principle, Polluter Pays Principle, co-pollutant cuts, and just-transition finance.
- In the midst of this controversy, Indian industry leaders and financial experts are closely watching the government's decision regarding the FGD rollback, as it could significantly impact the energy and business sectors.
- Despite the economic benefits claimed by proponents, a potential rollback of FGD systems might face criticism from the general-news media and environmental-science communities due to its implications on air quality and public health.
- In light of the international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate-change concerns, the Indian government's stance on the FGD rollback may have far-reaching effects on the country's standing in terms of environmental policy and global politics.
- As the government considers the rollback of FGD systems in thermal power plants, it is essential to prioritize science-based decision-making and develop comprehensive strategies that balance economic growth with the protection of both human health and the environment.
