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Sulphur-Cutting Programme for Coal Plants
Context:
India is navigating a complex debate on the necessity and feasibility of installing flue-gas desulfurisation (FGD) systems in its thermal power plants.
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- Experts and studies have raised questions about their effectiveness, cost, and impact on the country’s energy ambitions.
Flue-Gas Desulfurisation (FGD)
It is a critical process used to remove sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from the exhaust emissions of fossil-fueled power plants, particularly coal-fired ones. FGD aims to reduce SO₂ emissions, a significant contributor to air pollution and acid rain, by removing up to 95% of sulfur compounds from flue gas.
Effectiveness of FGDs in India
- Srikanth, a participant in recent discussions, argued that Indian cities face severe particulate matter pollution, not sulfur dioxide pollution.
- Studies by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) highlighted that the high ash content in Indian coal poses a greater challenge, and high-efficiency electrostatic precipitators could better address this issue.
- Research by IIT Delhi and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) found that plants with FGD systems showed negligible improvements in air quality.
High Costs and Logistical Challenges
- An FGD system costs approximately ₹12 million ($141,000) per megawatt of capacity, placing a significant financial burden on power companies.
- Over 200 FGD systems remain pending as companies are reluctant to shut down power plants for the 45 days required for installation.
Impact on India’s Energy Goals
- Enforcing FGD installations could jeopardise India’s plan to increase coal-fired power capacity by 37% by 2032 to meet growing energy demands.
- Delays in compliance are frequent. The original 2017 deadline was extended to 2026, and now the power ministry has requested a further three-year extension.
Proposals to Halt FGD Installations
- India’s government policy think tank, NITI Aayog, earlier this year suggested stopping FGD installations entirely, citing inefficiency and cost concerns.
- The government is yet to make a final decision, pending further consultations.
Environmental Concerns
- Environmental groups argue that coal-fired plants contribute 80% of India’s industrial sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions, leading to acid rain and lung disease.
- A 2019 Greenpeace report identified India as the world’s largest emitter of sulfur dioxide, primarily from coal-fired power plants.
Criticism of FGDs and Alternative Approaches
- Experts, including those at IIT Delhi, warn against using FGDs and carbon capture technologies as a “smokescreen” to justify continued reliance on coal-fired power plants.
- Focused efforts on transitioning to cleaner energy sources are recommended to address pollution and emissions sustainably.
As India deliberates on the role of FGDs, the challenge lies in balancing pollution control measures with the country’s growing energy demands and economic realities. The outcome will shape the future of India’s energy and environmental policies.
