SO2 Emission Reduction Technology : Analysis
An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has found less than 8% of India’s coal-based power plants have installed the SO2 emission reduction technology recommended by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to keep Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emissions in check
- Only a combined capacity of 16.5 Gigawatts(GW) of coal plants have installed FGDs and Circulating Fluidised Bed Combustion (CFBC) boilers equivalent to 5.9 GW across India.
- The CREA analysis found that 92 % of the country’s coal power plants function without FGDs.
- Blanket extension of the deadline for all coal power plants without checking on their progress by MoEF&CC and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) played a major role in derailment of emission controls from coal-based electricity generation units.
- The MoEF&CC introduced emission standards in 2015 for regulating PM, SO2, NOx, and Hg (Mercury) emissions.
- The deadline has been extended four times for units in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and three times for most other units across the country.
- India’s energy generation installed capacity stands at 425 GW.
- The thermal sector holds a predominant position within the overall installed capacity, encompassing coal (48.6%), gas (5.9%), lignite (1.6%) and a minimal share (<0.2%) from diesel.
