Environment Ministry Exempts 78% of Coal Plants From Installing FGD Systems

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

Context

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has exempted nearly 78% of India’s thermal power plants (TPPs) from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems.

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?

• FGD systems are technologies used in coal-based thermal power plants to remove SO₂ from exhaust flue gases before they are released into the atmosphere.
• Mechanism: The most common FGD method involves using a wet scrubber that reacts with a limestone slurry to convert SO₂ into gypsum.
• Purpose: Helps reduce acid rain, secondary particulate matter, and improves ambient air quality.

Categorisation of Thermal Power Plants (TPPs)

• Category A: Comprises ~11% of India’s 600 TPP units and has to mandatorily install FGD systems by December 30, 2027.
  • These are located within 10 km radius of the National Capital Region or are cities with a population of at least a million (2011 Census). 
• Category B: Comprises another 11% of TPP units and are located near Critically Polluted Areas (CPAs) or Non-Attainment Cities (NACs).
  • Installation of FGD is subject to approval by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
  • Deadline: December 30, 2028, if required.
• Category C:  It comprises the remaining 78% of TPP units. They are fully exempted from installing FGD systems and are mostly located in regions outside pollution hotspots.

International Examples

• Countries like China and the United States have made FGDs mandatory across coal-based power plants.
• China achieved over 95% SO₂ removal efficiency through nationwide installation of FGD systems.

Concerns

• Health Impacts: SO₂ is a precursor to PM2.5, which can penetrate lungs and bloodstream. Chronic exposure is linked to asthma, heart disease, and premature death.
  • According to the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health 2022, pollution-related deaths in India exceeded 2.3 million annually.
• Violation of Polluter Pays Principle: Exempting TPPs from installing FGDs violates the environmental principle that polluters should bear the cost of pollution mitigation.
• Undermines Pollution Targets:  India’s Clean Air Programme and COP26 commitments are weakened by this decision.
• Air Pollution Dispersion: Coal plants emit pollutants that travel up to 200 km from the source.
  • Tall chimneys do not eliminate pollution but disperse it into wider areas, impacting rural populations and neighboring states.

Way Ahead

• Health-Cost Internalisation: Use models like the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to account for medical costs, productivity loss, and mortality.
• Accelerate Renewable Energy Transition: Shift focus towards cleaner sources like solar, wind, and biomass to reduce dependency on coal.
• Pollution Control Mandates for All Categories: Pollution is not limited by administrative categories; hence, uniform emission norms should be enforced.
• Build FGD Installation Capacity: Encourage Make in India initiatives to build indigenous capacity for FGD manufacturing and deployment.
• Public Disclosure and Monitoring: Real-time emissions data of SO₂, PM2.5, and other pollutants should be made publicly available for accountability.

Concluding remarks

• Given the transboundary nature of pollution, and the growing burden of air-pollution-induced diseases, it is essential that India adopts a science-backed, health-centric, and equitable pollution control policy. 
• Environmental governance must be proactive, transparent, and aligned with both constitutional mandates under Article 21 and India’s global environmental commitments.

Source: TH