Centre’s Exemption Policy for Thermal Plants
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Environment
Source: TH
Context: The Union Environment Ministry has exempted 78% of India’s thermal power plant units from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems meant to reduce SO₂ emissions.
About Centre’s Exemption Policy for Thermal Plants:
What is It?
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued new norms based on a scientific advisory panel led by the Principal Scientific Adviser.
• The new framework classifies power plants into three categories based on location and pollution levels.
What are the Exemptions?
• Category A (11%): Located within 10 km of NCR or cities with >1 million population. Must install FGDs by December 30, 2027.
• Located within 10 km of NCR or cities with >1 million population.
• Must install FGDs by December 30, 2027.
• Category B (11%): Located near critically polluted areas (CPA) or non-attainment cities (NAC). FGD installation subject to expert review; deadline: December 2028.
• Located near critically polluted areas (CPA) or non-attainment cities (NAC).
• FGD installation subject to expert review; deadline: December 2028.
• Category C (78%): Located outside high-risk zones. Completely exempt from installing FGDs.
• Located outside high-risk zones.
• Completely exempt from installing FGDs.
What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) System?
• FGD is a pollution-control system used in coal-fired thermal plants to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions.
• It removes SO₂ by passing flue gases through a scrubber with limestone or chemical sorbents.
• SO₂ can otherwise form secondary PM2.5 and lead to acid rain, respiratory diseases, and ecosystem damage.
Why Are Anti-Pollution Systems Necessary?
• SO₂ → PM2.5 Formation: Studies show that coal combustion contributes ~15% of ambient PM2.5 in India (CEEW).
• Studies show that coal combustion contributes ~15% of ambient PM2.5 in India (CEEW).
• Health Impacts: SO₂ is linked to asthma, heart diseases, and childhood bronchitis (WHO).
• SO₂ is linked to asthma, heart diseases, and childhood bronchitis (WHO).
• Transboundary Pollution: Emissions from thermal plants travel over 200 km, affecting rural and urban areas alike.
• Emissions from thermal plants travel over 200 km, affecting rural and urban areas alike.
Concerns with the Exemptions:
• Rollback of Environmental Norms: The 2015 mandate to install FGDs is effectively diluted for the majority of units.
• Unfounded Scientific Claims: Critics argue SO₂’s contribution to PM2.5 is underestimated (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air).
• Ignored Precautionary Principle: Even if current SO₂ levels are below norms, proactive pollution control is essential as energy demand grows.
• Health Cost vs. Capital Cost: ₹2.5 lakh crore for full FGD compliance may appear high, but public health costs and productivity losses are likely far greater.
Way Ahead
• Prioritise Most Polluted Zones: Ensure immediate FGD installation in all NCR, CPA, and NAC clusters without exception.
• Incentivise Retrofit Mechanisms: Offer subsidies or green loans to ease installation burden on power plants.
• Public Health Audit: Conduct health impact assessments near major thermal clusters to guide future policy.
• Strengthen Monitoring: Mandate real-time SO₂ monitoring and public disclosure for all thermal units.
• Push for Cleaner Alternatives: Promote renewable energy adoption to reduce dependence on coal-based power.
Conclusion:
The exemption of 78% of thermal power plants from installing FGDs marks a regressive shift in India’s pollution control pathway. While cost and feasibility concerns exist, public health and environmental protection must remain central to energy governance. A balanced, science-backed and health-first policy is the need of the hour.