Context:
A recent study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser suggests that the Union Environment Ministry should roll back its 2015 mandate requiring all coal-fired power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units. The recommendation is based on India’s coal sulphur content, emissions behavior, and the cost-benefit analysis of FGD installations.
Relevance :GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Key Points from the Study:
FGD Mandate (2015):
- All 537 coal-based power plants in India were mandated to installFGD units by 2018 to control Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) emissions.
- Compliance is extremely poor: only 8% of plants have installed FGDs.
- Deadlines now extended to 2027-2029 based on plant categories.
Cost Implications:
- ₹1.2 crore per MW to install FGD.
- For the current 218 GW coal capacity, estimated cost is massive.
- Would increase freshwater use and power consumption within the plants.
Emission Composition:
- 92% of Indian coal has low sulphur content (0.3%-0.5%).
- SO₂ disperses due to tall chimneys (220m+) and Indian climatic conditions.
- Acid rain is “not a significant issue” in India per IIT-Delhi (2024).
Environmental Trade-Off:
- FGD installation (2025-30) would:
- Cut SO₂ by 17 million tonnes.
- But emit 69 million tonnes of CO₂ additionally.
- SO₂ has a cooling effect (masks global warming by ~0.5°C): IPCC insight cited.
Arguments for Rollback:
- Localized emissions impact is limited due to stack height and weather.
- Huge capital & operational costs, with low marginal gain in Indian context.
- Resource intensity (water, electricity) contradicts sustainability goals.
- Emission reduction vs. climate warming acceleration via increased CO₂ is counterproductive.
Arguments Against Rollback:
- SO₂ still a hazardous pollutant, linked to respiratory illnesses.
- Health externalities (not quantified here) might outweigh costs.
- Potential rise in imported/high-sulphur coal in future.
- Sends weak signals on environmental regulation compliance.
- International commitments under Paris Agreement may require tighter norms.
Policy Implications:
- A selective FGD mandate for high-sulphur or imported coal-based plants may be more viable.
- Reassess environment vs. climate trade-offs using region-specific pollution data.
- Explore alternative technologies or hybrid emission controls.
- Balance between economic, health, and climate objectives is crucial.
