FGD Units in Thermal Plants: Panel Recommends Rollback of Mandate
Why in the news
A government-appointed expert committee advised withdrawing the 2015 rule that required Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in all coal-fired thermal power plants, citing high cost, slow compliance and rising power demand.
Key facts
| FGD type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Dry sorbent injection | Powdered limestone injected into flue gas |
| Wet limestone | Gas passed through limestone slurry; gypsum forms |
| Seawater scrubbing | Coastal seawater absorbs and neutralises SO2 |
- Compliance: 537 plants covered; 39 compliant by April 2025.
- Deadlines: original 2018 date extended repeatedly, now up to 2029; Environment Ministry added three more years in December 2024 without stating a reason.
Why SO2 matters
- Causes acid rain and respiratory illness and feeds secondary PM2.5.
- About 15% of India’s PM2.5 is tied to coal burning, 80% of which is from SO2.
Alternatives
- Experts say nothing else removes SO2 at source; cleaner energy is a long-term fix, so FGD stays essential meanwhile.
Exam angle
- Pollutant targeted: sulphur dioxide. Mandate year: 2015.