Environment Ministry Exempts Most Coal Plants from Sulphur Emission Norms
The Environment Ministry has exempted the majority of India's coal-fired power plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are designed to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. This decision undermines a 2015 mandate requiring all 180 coal plants (600 units) to install FGDs by 2017. Currently, only about 8% of units have installed FGDs. Official reasons include limited vendors, high costs, and COVID-19 disruptions. An expert committee cited low sulphur content in Indian coal and negligible difference in SO2 levels near plants with and without FGDs. Concerns are also raised about sulphates' beneficial side-effect in suppressing warming, implying that reducing them could worsen climate goals and public health commitments.
Key Points
- India's Environment Ministry has exempted most coal-fired power plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems.
- The original 2015 mandate required all coal plants to install FGDs by 2017, but only 8% have complied.
- Reasons for the exemption include low sulphur content in Indian coal, high installation costs, and the potential impact of sulphate reduction on climate warming.
- The decision raises concerns about different environmental standards within India and undermining public health commitments.
Exam Facts
- The Environment Ministry's 2015 mandate required Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems for coal-fired plants.
- Only about 8% of the 600 coal units have installed FGDs.
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a gas monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
- A minority of plants (within 10 km of NCR, in cities >1 million, or pollution hotspots) must install FGDs by 2028.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.