Centre again relaxes SO2 emission norms for coal plants around Delhi-NCR

The order effectively exempts several coal plants from installing pollution-cutting flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology, which reduces SO2 emissions from the plant’s exhaust gases.

The government’s latest order is the fifth deadline extension given to plant operators since the norms were notified in 2015.

Sulphur dioxide, a harmful pollutant, also aids formation of particulate matter that is lethal and can enter the bloodstream.

These 66 plants, termed as ‘Category A’ plants, are located within a 10-km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with over a million population as per the 2011 Census.

There are 72 plants in ‘Category B’ – located within a 10-km radius of critically polluted areas or cities not in compliance with national air quality standards – on whom SO2 norms will be applicable on a “case to case” basis, the order said.

Meanwhile, over 450 ‘Category C’ plants, which are neither near Delhi-NCR nor near critically polluted areas, have been completely exempted from meeting the sulphur emission norms.

However, they will have to adhere to the stack height criteria and timeline, as prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the order added.

The order came on the back of multiple studies, as well as recommendations made by a high-powered committee chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) Ajay Kumar Sood. The committee had concluded that the installation of FGD was not necessary in all coal plants.

In a report, the National Institute of Advanced Studies submitted to the high-powered committee that Indian coal, used to generate 92% electricity produced by thermal plants, has a low average sulphur content. In fact, it said that FGD installation in all coal plants by 2030 will increase auxiliary power consumption and add more long-lived carbon dioxide emissions, while removing short-lived sulphur dioxide emissions.

All the studies considered by the office of the PSA had instead called for focussing efforts on cutting particulate matter pollution and installing electrostatic precipitators.

The order stated that the CPCB had submitted recommendations after detailed analysis and study of national ambient air quality standards of sulphur dioxide across most regions. It added that the pollution control measures were causing an increase in carbon dioxide emissions as well increasing footprint due to use of limestone, and its transportation.

The order further said that an explicit recommendation has been received from the Ministry of Power about relaxation in timelines to meet norms. “…several stakeholder consultations were done with Industry… Ministry of Power, Central Pollution Control Board, scientific institutions, and other stakeholders regarding these emission standards and their timeline,” it added.

The government had identified 537 coal plant units with a capacity of over 200 Gigawatts (GW) for FGD installation. Of these, the technology has already been installed in 49 units with a capacity of 25 GW, as per data provided by the government in Lok Sabha in March.

Contracts awarded for 211 units (90 GW) and 180 units (58 GW) were under various stages of the tendering process. About 97 units with a capacity of 27 GW were under the pre-tendering process, the government had said.