India is currently reassessing a $30 billion programme, established a decade ago, that mandates coal-fired power plants to install equipment aimed at reducing sulphur emissions. This review follows government-backed studies indicating that the programme has had minimal impact on overall pollution levels, as reported by Reuters.
Key Highlights:
Current Status:
Nearly 540 power plant units are required to implement flue-gas desulphurization (FGD) systems by 2026; however, only about 8% have complied. This includes plants operated by state-run NTPC and privately held JSW Power.
Challenges:
The government has cited the high costs of foreign technology and skilled manpower as significant barriers to meeting the FGD installation targets.
Pollution Concerns:
With cities like New Delhi and Kanpur ranking among the most polluted globally, there is increasing pressure on the Indian government to mitigate emissions from the coal sector.
Alternative Solutions:
Instead of FGDs, officials are now considering the use of locally manufactured electrostatic precipitators. These systems, which are designed to eliminate fine particles from emissions, are significantly cheaper—costing about one-fifth of an FGD system.
Expert Opinions:
A document from the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor highlighted a consensus among attendees that Indian power plants should prioritize reducing emissions of particulate matter, which poses a greater health risk than sulphur dioxide.
Coal Quality Insights:
A study from the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) noted that Indian coal, which accounts for 92% of the country’s thermal power generation, has a sulphur content of only 0.5%. In contrast, imported coal averages 0.9%, while coal used in China exceeds 1%.
R. Srikanth, head of NIAS’s engineering school, emphasized that the focus should be on particulate matter pollution rather than sulphur dioxide, stating, “There was really never any case for having FGDs in India… All our cities actually suffer from high particulate-matter pollution.”