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Thermal Power Plants: SO₂ Compliance Extensions and Challenges
Context:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued the fourth extension for sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission compliance norms for thermal power plants (TPPs), raising concerns over air quality and public health.
India’s Dependence on Coal-Based Thermal Power
- Coal Dominates Power Generation: As of November 30, 2024, India’s installed power capacity is 456.747 GW, with coal-based TPPs contributing 217.65 GW (47% of total capacity).
- Environmental Concerns: Coal-fired TPPs are significant contributors to air pollution, emitting particulate matter (PM), SO₂, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and heavy metals.
Introduction of Emission Norms in 2015
- New Standards for SO₂, NOₓ, and Mercury: The 2015 MoEF&CC notification required coal-fired plants to install flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems within two years.
- Initial Deadline: Compliance was mandated by December 2017, but subsequent delays have hindered progress.
Timeline of Compliance Extensions
- 2017 Extension: Deadline shifted to 2022 after a Supreme Court ruling, with Delhi-NCR plants to comply by 2019.
- 2021 Categorisation: Plants were divided into three categories based on location, with deadlines extended to 2024 for Category A, 2025 for Category B, and 2026 for Category C.
- 2024 Extension: Latest notification pushes deadlines to 2027 (Category A), 2028 (Category B), and 2029 (Category C).
Implementation Challenges
- Coordination Gaps: Poor coordination between the Ministry of Power, MoEF&CC, and TPPs has delayed FGD system installations.
- Conflicting Reports: A 2024 CSIR-NEERI report, supported by NITI Aayog, questioned the need for FGD systems, prioritising PM control over SO₂.
- Progress to Date: Only 7% of units have installed FGD systems, 44% are under implementation, and 23% remain in the pre-tendering phase.
Ineffective Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Nominal Fines: Penalties range from ₹0.2 per unit of electricity for delays up to 180 days to ₹0.4 per unit for delays beyond a year.
- Lack of Enforcement: These penalties remain unenforced due to repeated deadline extensions.
Public Health and Environmental Risks
- Air Quality in Critical Areas: SO₂ regulation is vital, especially in regions like Delhi-NCR, where air quality is among the worst.
- Health Toll of Inaction: Prolonged exposure to toxic emissions exacerbates respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Recommendations for Decisive Action
- Prioritise Category A Compliance: Focus on plants in Delhi-NCR to improve air quality in the most polluted regions.
- Transparent Roadmap: Address procurement bottlenecks, financial challenges, and regulatory ambiguities to accelerate FGD implementation.
- Enforce Penalties: Strengthen accountability by imposing fines for delays without granting further extensions.
