Controversy Surrounds FGD Mandate for Indian Coal Plants

Controversy surrounds the FGD mandate for Indian coal plants as a new study highlights the high costs and minimal acid rain threat due to low sulphur content in Indian coal. This issue is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for General Studies Paper 3, which covers environmental pollution and conservation. Last Updated: 2025-04-19

Key Facts About FGD Mandate for Indian Coal Plants

• FGD removes sulphur dioxide from flue gas in coal plants.
• Common reagents include limestone, lime, and ammonia.
• FGD prevents acid rain caused by SO₂ emissions.
• Three types of FGD systems: Dry Sorbent Injection, Wet Limestone-Based, and Seawater-Based.
• Installation costs are approximately Rs 1.2 crore per MW.
• 92% of Indian coal has low sulphur content (0.3%-0.5%).
• Existing pollution norms dilute SO₂ emissions due to stack heights.
• Acid rain is not a significant issue in India according to IIT-Delhi.
• FGD processes may lead to an additional 69 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
• SO₂ removal could worsen climate change despite reducing SO₂ levels.
• Only 8% of coal plants have installed FGD as of now.
• 230 plants are currently installing FGD systems.
• Study recommends focusing on particulate matter (PM) pollution instead.
• Electrostatic precipitators can cut PM pollution by 99% at a lower cost.
• FGD systems should only apply to plants using imported or high-sulphur coal.
• The study calls for a rollback of the 2015 FGD mandate.

India's Environmental Policy and Economic Growth

The FGD mandate controversy underscores the delicate balance between environmental policy and economic growth in India. As the country aims to meet its climate commitments while ensuring energy security, the focus on cost-effective pollution control measures becomes crucial. India's strategic goal is to reduce emissions without hampering its economic trajectory, which is vital for maintaining its position as a leading emerging economy.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024.
• Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Enhances energy efficiency in industries, including power plants.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Environmental pollution, Conservation, Environmental impact assessment.
• Prelims: Questions on FGD systems, sulphur content in Indian coal, and pollution control technologies.
• Mains: Analytical themes on balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, effectiveness of pollution control mandates.
• Essay Paper: Topics on environmental policy, climate change mitigation strategies.

FAQ Section

• What is FGD?

  FGD, or Flue Gas Desulfurization, is a technology used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from the exhaust flue gases of fossil-fuel power plants. It helps in preventing acid rain.

• Why is the FGD mandate controversial?

  The FGD mandate is controversial due to its high installation costs, the low sulphur content in Indian coal, and the minimal threat of acid rain in India. The study suggests focusing on particulate matter pollution instead.

• What are the key features of the FGD systems?

  FGD systems use reagents like limestone, lime, and ammonia to remove SO₂. They include Dry Sorbent Injection, Wet Limestone-Based, and Seawater-Based systems, with installation costs around Rs 1.2 crore per MW.