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Only 5 of India's coal power plants meet sulphur dioxide emission norms CSE

Even after multiple extensions, only 5 per cent of India's coal-fired power plants have installed flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) systems, which are air pollution control devices for sulphur dioxide emissions, a new analysis has said. The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. The Union environment ministry had specified the emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015. However, these have been diluted for various parameters, and deadlines have been repeatedly extended. According to the CSE analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that claim to be SO2 compliant. The lack of information about on-ground inspections by regulatory bodies raises doubts about the accuracy of these claims, Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE said. The installation of FGD systems takes around two years followed by temporary shutdowns for necessary arrangements. The CSE researchers estimated the likelihood of power plants meeting emission norms based on their compliance stage and the remaining time until the deadline. The analysis revealed that 43 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with a population of 1 million or more (Category A), 11 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas (Category B), and 1 per cent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. However, the report noted a slight improvement compared to the previous assessment, attributing it to deadline extensions and increased clarity regarding capacity that was previously unreported by the CEA. The researchers found only 0.81 GW of newly commissioned capacity complying with norms, approximately 13 GW likely to comply due to deadline extensions, around 23 GW capacity exploring FGD feasibility, and approximately 2.47 GW identified for decommissioning. The CSE report also criticised the lackadaisical approach of power generation companies, highlighting the National Electricity Plan's justifications for delays, such as dependency on the external market for FGD components, the novelty of the technology in the Indian market, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasised the need for compliance and highlights that power plant emissions can contribute to air pollution beyond their boundaries.

Only 5% of India’s coal-based thermal power capacity meets SO2 emissions norms: CSE report

Emission reduction has been the unequivocally accepted pathway for limiting global warming. But despite ambitious targets, one of the most polluting sectors of India – coal-based thermal power generation – was found to be brazenly flouting emission norms and not doing the bare minimum required to reduce their environmental footprint. A case in point is the poor implementation of the sulphur dioxide emissions regulations issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 2015. The ministry made it mandatory for thermal power plants to instal a flue gas de-sulfurization (FGD) system to remove sulphur dioxide from their exhaust. As of April 2023, however, only 5 per cent of the country’s installed coal-based thermal power generation capacities had the FGD mechanism in place, according to a new report by Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Moreover, 17 per cent of the overall coal power capacity was still at very initial stages of compliance. The organisation analysed the updated status of FGD systems in thermal power plants from data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Union Ministry of Power. The findings for eastern India were abysmal: No plant in the region was found to be compliant of SO2 emissions norms. Maharashtra has the highest capacity complying with the norms, followed by Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Tamil Nadu, showed the analysis. The results indicate that the sector has been unwilling to comply with the central government regulations, according to the authors of the report. This is despite the fact that the norms have been diluted for several parameters and deadlines delayed since they were issued eight years ago, said Nivit Yadav, programme director, industrial pollution unit, CSE. Another finding that is symptomatic of the feet-dragging by the industry is that even new projects are not compliant of the SO2 emissions norms. Only 0.81 GW of the 32.63 GW newly commissioned capacity is complying with the norms, the researchers found. Moreover, the actual extent of non-compliance may be greater, they added. The 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs include 9,280 megawatts that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that ‘claim to be SO2 compliant’. “How far these claims are true is difficult to say, considering that there is no information available about on-ground inspections conducted by state-level regulatory bodies,” said Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE. The team also estimated the likelihood of a coal power plant meeting the emission norms on the basis of the stage of compliance and the duration in which the power plant must meet the deadline. Just 57 per cent of the capacity within 10 kilometres of Delhi-NCR or million-plus cities will be able to meet the deadline, based on the analysis. Around 11 per cent of the capacity within 10 km radius of critically polluted areas is unlikely to meet the deadline. Around 13 gigawatts of the installed capacity is now likely to comply because of the extension in deadline, the report noted. None of the plants that have installed FGDs or are reported to be complying with SOx norms are state-owned, the analysts found. 23 GW capacity is still exploring the feasibility of commissioning FGD in its premises. The technology has been around for decades in the global market but Indian industries began exploring its feasibility only since the regulation. The equipment isn’t cheap and some of the components are not locally available. The latest National Electricity Plan (NEP) for 2022-32 cited various factors that may have delayed the implementation of the norms: The sector’s dependency on the external market for some FGD components, novelty of the technology for the Indian market and the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is unclear how one or two years of the pandemic would contribute to delaying the implementation process by five-six years,” said Yadav. The compliance deadlines have been revised thrice already. Moreover, the NEP has advocated for different standards for plants in different locations. “It will not be surprising if we see another extension in the deadline soon; or worse, diluted norms for several plants,” he added. The likelihood of compliance is higher now compared to December 2021 — the only positive takeaway from the analysis. This may be because of how generously the compliance deadlines have been pushed back by the government to allow the sector to adjust, the researchers pointed out. 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Only 5% of India's coal power plants meet sulphur dioxide emission norm CSE

The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is ba on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the techni arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. New Delhi: Even after multiple extensions, only 5 per cent of India's coal-fired power plants have installed flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) systems, which are air pollution control devices for sulphur dioxide emissions, a new analysis has said. The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. The Union environment ministry had specified the emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015. However, these have been diluted for various parameters, and deadlines have been repeatedly extended. According to the CSE analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that claim to be SO2 compliant. The lack of information about on-ground inspections by regulatory bodies raises doubts about the accuracy of these claims, Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE said. The installation of FGD systems takes around two years followed by temporary shutdowns for necessary arrangements. The CSE researchers estimated the likelihood of power plants meeting emission norms based on their compliance stage and the remaining time until the deadline. The analysis revealed that 43 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with a population of 1 million or more (Category A), 11 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas (Category B), and 1 per cent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. However, the report noted a slight improvement compared to the previous assessment, attributing it to deadline extensions and increased clarity regarding capacity that was previously unreported by the CEA. The researchers found only 0.81 GW of newly commissioned capacity complying with norms, approximately 13 GW likely to comply due to deadline extensions, around 23 GW capacity exploring FGD feasibility, and approximately 2.47 GW identified for decommissioning. The CSE report also criticised the lackadaisical approach of power generation companies, highlighting the National Electricity Plan's justifications for delays, such as dependency on the external market for FGD components, the novelty of the technology in the Indian market, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasised the need for compliance and highlights that power plant emissions can contribute to air pollution beyond their boundaries.

Will Coal-Based Thermal Power Plants Ever Meet Emission Norms?

India’s coal-based thermal power plants continue to drag their feet in meeting emission norms, says a new analysis done by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The CSE analysis finds that a mere 5 per cent of the installed capacity in this sector has put in place an air pollution control device — flue gas de-sulfurization (FGD) system — for controlling SO2 emissions.

Only 5% of India's coal power plants meet sulphur dioxide emission norms: CSE

The Union environment ministry had specified the emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015 Even after multiple extensions, only 5% of India's coal-fired power plants have installed flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) systems, which are air pollution control devices for sulphur dioxide emissions, a new analysis has said. The analysis by the environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. The Union environment ministry had specified the emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015. However, these have been diluted for various parameters, and deadlines have been repeatedly extended. According to the CSE analysis, the 5% of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that claim to be SO2 compliant. The lack of information about on-ground inspections by regulatory bodies raises doubts about the accuracy of these claims, Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE said. The installation of FGD systems takes around two years followed by temporary shutdowns for necessary arrangements. The CSE researchers estimated the likelihood of power plants meeting emission norms based on their compliance stage and the remaining time until the deadline. The analysis revealed that 43% of capacity within a 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with a population of 1 million or more (Category A), 11% of capacity within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas (Category B), and 1% of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. However, the report noted a slight improvement compared to the previous assessment, attributing it to deadline extensions and increased clarity regarding capacity that was previously unreported by the CEA. The researchers found only 0.81 GW of newly commissioned capacity complying with norms, approximately 13 GW likely to comply due to deadline extensions, around 23 GW capacity exploring FGD feasibility, and approximately 2.47 GW identified for decommissioning. The CSE report also criticised the lackadaisical approach of power generation companies, highlighting the National Electricity Plan's justifications for delays, such as dependency on the external market for FGD components, the novelty of the technology in the Indian market, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasised the need for compliance and highlights that power plant emissions can contribute to air pollution beyond their boundaries.

No thermal plant in Punjab meets green norms: Report

BATHINDA: India's coal-based thermal power plants continue to drag their feet in meeting emission norms, with not a single one in Punjab complying with norms, says a new analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). As per analysis, mere 5% of the installed capacity has put in place the air pollution control device -flue gas de-sulfurization (FGD) system for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. The analysis is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Union ministry of power, for April 2023. The situation on installing FGD in thermal plants in Punjab is dismal but as these plants fall in Category C, it has the solace to comply with the norms by December 2026 as per categorisation done by the ministry in September 2022. Punjab has a capacity to generate 5,680 MW, including 1,760 MW by two state-owned plants and 3,920 MW by three independent power plants (IPPs). As per the report, no plant in Punjab is complying with norms at present. The 920 MW (16% of total capacity) at Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant Lehra in Bathinda is still at the feasibility stage. The 1,980 MW Talwandi Sabo Power Plant (35%) has finalised the tender process, 1,380 MW (24%) at state owned Ropar and IPPs GVK have opened the bids and for 1400 MW (25%) of L&T plant the bids have been approved. In 2015, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) introduced emission norms for coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs) with 2017 as the deadline for compliance but as the 2017 deadline drew nearer, a blanket extension of five years was given to all coal-fired TPPs which was till December 2022. In March 2021, coal-fired TPPs were disaggregated intro three categories, each with a different deadline for compliance with the new emission norms with December 2022 for category A, December 2023 for category B and December 2024 for category C. The Category A was within 10 km radius of NCR or cities with million plus population. Category B was within 10 km radium of critically polluted area or non attainment cities and Category C was for remaining plants. However, when it became evident that 58 per cent of the coal-fired TPPs in Category A will miss the December 2022 deadline, MoEFCC decided to extend the deadlines for all three categories by another two years with category A till December 2024, category B till December 2025 and category C has to comply by December 2026. "As per the analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling SO2 emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that claim to be SO2 compliant. How far these claims are true is difficult to say, considering that there is no information available about on-ground inspections conducted by state-level regulatory bodies to confirm these claims", says CSE program director industrial pollution unit, Nivit Yadav and programme officer industrial pollution unit Anubha Aggarwal. Installation of FGD in a unit for SO2 control takes about two years, which is followed by temporary shutdown of the unit for making necessary arrangements. As per some highlights of the report, only 0.81 GW of the 32.63 GW newly commissioned capacity is complying with the norms. Approximately 13 GW is now likely to comply because of the extension in deadline. Yadav says that the latest National Electricity Plan (NEP) for 2022-32 justifies the lackadaisical approach of the power generation companies by putting the onus on delays in implementation of the norms on several factors. The key ones among these are the sector's dependency on the external market for 30 per cent of FGD components; the novelty of the technology for the Indian market; and the Covid-19 pandemic. Aggarwal says that such a small compliance at this point is disappointing, as enough opportunities have been given to the power plants to comply with the norms. "Any violation of the norms at this stage should be considered as a deliberate act signifying unwillingness to adhere to the norms", she adds.

Will coal-based thermal power plants ever meet emission norms?

India’s coal-based thermal power plants continue to drag their feet in meeting emission norms, says a new analysis done by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions are a case in point: the CSE analysis finds that a mere 5 per cent of the installed capacity in this sector has put in place an air pollution control device – flue gas de-sulfurization (FGD) system — for controlling SO2 emissions. The CSE analysis is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Union Ministry of Power, for April 2023. Says Nivit Yadav, programme director, industrial pollution unit, CSE: “The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had issued a notification specifying the emission norms for coal-based power plants way back in December 2015. Since then, the norms have been diluted for several parameters and deadlines delayed.” As per the CSE analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling SO2 emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that ‘claim to be SO2 compliant’. Says Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE: “How far these claims are true is difficult to say, considering that there is no information available about on-ground inspections conducted by state-level regulatory bodies to confirm these claims.” Installation of FGD in a unit for SO2 control takes about two years, which is followed by temporary shutdown of the unit for making necessary arrangements. CSE researchers have estimated the likelihood of a coal power plant meeting the emission norms on the basis of the stage of compliance and the duration in which the power plant must meet the deadline. Says Aggarwal: “Based on this methodology, we have found that despite five to eight years of extensions in deadlines, 43 per cent of the capacity (Category A, which includes plants within 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with million-plus population); 11 per cent of the capacity (Category B — within 10 km radius of critically polluted areas); and 1 per cent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively.” Yadav adds that the picture has a silver lining. “A comparison of the likelihood of compliance between December 2021 and now shows that there has been an improvement. This can primarily be attributed to an extension in deadlines by another two years, combined with increased clarity for another 34 GW capacity, about which CEA had not been reporting until December 2021,” he says. Some highlights of the report Only 0.81 GW of the 32.63 GW newly commissioned capacity is complying with the norms. Approximately 13 GW is now likely to comply because of the extension in deadline. Approximately 23 GW capacity is still exploring the feasibility of commissioning FGD in its premises. Approximately 2.47 GW is identified to be decommissioned, but the retirement plans of these plants are unclear. Western region All states in this region – Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra – have some TPPs that are complying with the SO2 norms. The Bandakhar TPP (300 MW) and Nawapara TPP (600 MW) in Chhattisgarh are reported to ‘claim to be SO2 compliant’ – but there is no evidence to justify these claims. If the capacity of all the plants in the region is combined, the compliance level stands at 7 per cent of the total capacity in this region. Maharashtra has the highest coal thermal capacity in the country; but only 11 per cent of the state’s capacity is currently complying with the norms. Cumulatively, almost 6 per cent of the capacity in the three states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Maharashtra is unlikely to comply with the norms. In Madhya Pradesh, apart from the plants that are complying, or have CFBC boilers, or have been identified for decommissioning, the remaining capacity (72,310 MW) is likely to meet the norms by the deadlines. Northern region The states and locations in this region are Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The Dadri TPP and Unchhar TPS in Uttar Pradesh and the Mahatma Gandhi TPP in Haryana (cumulative capacity of 3,150 MW) are the only plants in the northern region that are complying with the norms. These plants account for a mere 7 per cent of the total capacity in the region. Also, 1,025 MW capacity in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh is at a very initial stage of compliance. In the case of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 6,440 MW capacity was commissioned after January 1, 2017, two years after the enforcement of the emission norms — yet these plants are not complying with the norms. In the case of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), 10,075 MW is likely to comply with the norms. Of this, 3,390 MW has awarded bids, 3,180 MW has floated tenders, 2,480 MW has finalised tender documents and 1,025 MW is still at a feasibility stage. The Panipat TPS (710 MW), owned by the state-run Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd (HPGCL), is unlikely to meet the 2024 deadline as the plant is yet to award a work order for FGD commissioning. Southern region In Karnataka, which had reported zero compliance in the December 2021 CEA status report, 260 MW now claims to be SO2 compliant. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there is a substantial increase in the capacity that is likely to meet the norms. Andhra Pradesh has the highest coal power capacity among all states in the region which would miss the deadlines; this capacity has already completed its most efficient operational life of 25 years. The Dr Narla Tata Rao TPS, Vizag TPP (Andhra Pradesh), Muthiara TPP, North Chennai TPS (Tamil Nadu), and the Thoothukudi Station-IV TPS (Telangana) are likely to miss the deadlines. Not a single power plant in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is complying with the norms till date. The region also has the highest capacity (9,245 MW) in the country that is still exploring the feasibility of SO2 control on the premises of the plants. Around 6,270 MW capacity was commissioned in this region after 2017 in the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka – but these plants still do not have SO2 control measures in place. Yadav points out that the latest National Electricity Plan (NEP) for 2022-32 justifies the lackadaisical approach of the power generation companies by putting the onus on delays in implementation of the norms on several factors. The key ones among these are the sector’s dependency on the external market for 30 per cent of FGD components; the novelty of the technology for the Indian market; and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yadav says: “It is unclear how one or two years of the pandemic would contribute to delaying the implementation process by five-six years. On top of that, the NEP has advocated for different standards for plants in different locations. It will not be surprising if we see another extension in the deadline soon; or worse, diluted norms for several plants.” He adds: “The exhaust from any industry, including power plants, is not restricted to the plant’s boundaries. Depending on wind direction, wind speed and other meteorological factors, it spreads far and wide and contributes to air pollution in the neighbouring vicinity.” Aggarwal says that the unlikelihood of compliance by even 1 per cent of the sector at this point is disappointing, as enough opportunities have been given to the power plants to comply with the norms. She adds: “Any violation of the norms at this stage should be considered as a deliberate act signifying unwillingness to adhere to the norms.”

Only 5% of India’s coal power plants meet sulphur dioxide emission norms: CSE

Even after multiple extensions, only 5 per cent of India’s coal-fired power plants have installed flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) systems, which are air pollution control devices for sulphur dioxide emissions, a new analysis has said. The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is based on […] Even after multiple extensions, only 5 per cent of India’s coal-fired power plants have installed flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) systems, which are air pollution control devices for sulphur dioxide emissions, a new analysis has said. The analysis by environmental think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Ministry of Power, in April. The Union environment ministry had specified the emission norms for coal-based power plants in December 2015. However, these have been diluted for various parameters, and deadlines have been repeatedly extended. According to the CSE analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that claim to be SO2 compliant. The lack of information about on-ground inspections by regulatory bodies raises doubts about the accuracy of these claims, Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE said. The installation of FGD systems takes around two years followed by temporary shutdowns for necessary arrangements. The CSE researchers estimated the likelihood of power plants meeting emission norms based on their compliance stage and the remaining time until the deadline. The analysis revealed that 43 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with a population of 1 million or more (Category A), 11 per cent of capacity within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas (Category B), and 1 per cent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively. However, the report noted a slight improvement compared to the previous assessment, attributing it to deadline extensions and increased clarity regarding capacity that was previously unreported by the CEA. The researchers found only 0.81 GW of newly commissioned capacity complying with norms, approximately 13 GW likely to comply due to deadline extensions, around 23 GW capacity exploring FGD feasibility, and approximately 2.47 GW identified for decommissioning. The CSE report also criticised the lackadaisical approach of power generation companies, highlighting the National Electricity Plan’s justifications for delays, such as dependency on the external market for FGD components, the novelty of the technology in the Indian market, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasised the need for compliance and highlights that power plant emissions can contribute to air pollution beyond their boundaries.

Thermal plants drag feet on green norms

NEW DELHI: A report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which analysed the compliance with sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission norms, says India's coal-based thermal power plants continue to drag their feet in meeting the criteria. In National Capital Region (NCR), 11 coal-fired thermal power plants are located within a 300km radius of Delhi with 12,895MW capacity. Of these plants, two are complying with the norms and eight others are likely to meet the 2024 deadline, but not the 710MW Panipat plant. The CSE report is based on an air pollution control device, flue gas de-sulfurisation (FGD) system, which is used for controlling SO2 emissions. CSE has analysed the updated FGD status released by Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Union power ministry for April 2023. The installation of FGD in a unit takes about two years, which requires temporary shutdown for making necessary arrangements. The 11 coal-fired plants within the 300km radius of Delhi are the Indira Gandhi super thermal power plant and the Mahatma Gandhi, Panipat, Rajiv Gandhi, Yamuna Nagar, Rajpura, Talwandi Sabo, Guru Hargobind, Ropar, Dadri and Harduaganj plants. "Due to the high levels of air pollution in the region, the Union environment, forest and climate change ministry fast-tracked the compliance deadline in February 2018 for the coal-based plants in NCR to 2019 from 2022. However, only two, Dadri and Mahatma Gandhi plants, had complied," said the report. It added that in all the subsequent amendments in deadlines, there was no longer any discussion of prioritising the coal-fired plants in NCR. Through the latest amendment, the deadline has been shifted to 2026 for around 59% of the coal-based power capacity in NCR while the remaining 41% has to comply by 2024. "Despite flouting previous deadlines, the Panipat plant is yet to award the work order for commissioning of FGD. The remaining eight power plants with 9,535MW capacity is likely to comply with the norms. Of this, 3,390MW has awarded bids, 2,640MW has floated tenders, 2,480MW has finalised tender documents and 1,025MW is still at feasibility stage," said Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer of the industrial pollution unit at CSE. According to CSE's analysis, only 5% of the total coal-based power capacity in the country has managed to comply with SOx emission norms while 17% is still at the very initial stages of compliance. Nivit Yadav, programme director of the CSE unit, said, "The environment, forest and climate change ministry had issued a notification specifying the emission norms for the coal-based power plants way back in December 2015. Since then, the norms have been diluted for several parameters and deadlines delayed."

Will coal-based thermal power plants ever meet emission norms?

New state-level analysis by CSE of compliance with sulphur dioxide emission norms throws up alarming indications of feet-dragging by the sector Only 5 per cent of capacity meeting the norms currently. Plants in all the eastern states are non-compliant. Very few plants in the remaining regions are meeting the norms, says the CSE analysis New Delhi: India’s coal-based thermal power plants continue to drag their feet in meeting emission norms, says a new analysis done by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions are a case in point: the CSE analysis finds that a mere 5 per cent of the installed capacity in this sector has put in place an air pollution control device – flue gas de-sulfurization (FGD) system — for controlling SO2 emissions. The CSE analysis is based on the updated FGD status released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the technical arm of the Union Ministry of Power, for April 2023. Says Nivit Yadav, programme director, industrial pollution unit, CSE: “The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had issued a notification specifying the emission norms for coal-based power plants way back in December 2015. Since then, the norms have been diluted for several parameters and deadlines delayed.” As per the CSE analysis, the 5 per cent of plants that have so far installed FGDs for controlling SO2 emissions include 9,280 MW that have been reported to have commissioned FGDs and another 1,430 MW that ‘claim to be SO2 compliant’. Says Anubha Aggarwal, programme officer, industrial pollution unit, CSE: “How far these claims are true is difficult to say, considering that there is no information available about on-ground inspections conducted by state-level regulatory bodies to confirm these claims.” Installation of FGD in a unit for SO2 control takes about two years, which is followed by temporary shutdown of the unit for making necessary arrangements. CSE researchers have estimated the likelihood of a coal power plant meeting the emission norms on the basis of the stage of compliance and the duration in which the power plant must meet the deadline. Says Aggarwal: “Based on this methodology, we have found that despite five to eight years of extensions in deadlines, 43 per cent of the capacity (Category A, which includes plants within 10 km radius of Delhi-NCR or cities with million-plus population); 11 per cent of the capacity (Category B — within 10 km radius of critically polluted areas); and 1 per cent of the remaining capacity (Category C) are unlikely to meet the norms by the latest deadlines of 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively.” Yadav adds that the picture has a silver lining. “A comparison of the likelihood of compliance between December 2021 and now shows that there has been an improvement. This can primarily be attributed to an extension in deadlines by another two years, combined with increased clarity for another 34 GW capacity, about which CEA had not been reporting until December 2021,” he says. Some highlights of the report Only 0.81 GW of the 32.63 GW newly commissioned capacity is complying with the norms. Approximately 13 GW is now likely to comply because of the extension in deadline. Approximately 23 GW capacity is still exploring the feasibility of commissioning FGD in its premises. Approximately 2.47 GW is identified to be decommissioned, but the retirement plans of these plants are unclear. Region-wise and state-wise compliance status, as per the CSE analysis Eastern region None of the states in the eastern region — Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Jharkhand – have any thermal power plants that (TPPs) are at present complying with the emission norms. Although, apart from West Bengal, TPPs in all other states in this region are likely to meet the norms by their respective deadlines. As per the CSE analysis, Southern REPL TPS and Hiranmaye TPS (total capacity of 435 MW) in West Bengal will miss the deadline. Another 3,365 MW capacity belonging to Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal is still at the very initial stages of compliance — seven years after the emission norms were introduced. Except Jharkhand, the remaining four states in the eastern region have commissioned coal-based power plants of total 6,962 MW capacity after January 1, 2017. All these plants were built without a provision for FGD systems, despite the fact that the notification had been introduced in 2015. Western region All states in this region – Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra – have some TPPs that are complying with the SO2 norms. The Bandakhar TPP (300 MW) and Nawapara TPP (600 MW) in Chhattisgarh are reported to ‘claim to be SO2 compliant’ – but there is no evidence to justify these claims. If the capacity of all the plants in the region is combined, the compliance level stands at 7 per cent of the total capacity in this region. Maharashtra has the highest coal thermal capacity in the country; but only 11 per cent of the state’s capacity is currently complying with the norms. Cumulatively, almost 6 per cent of the capacity in the three states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Maharashtra is unlikely to comply with the norms. In Madhya Pradesh, apart from the plants that are complying, or have CFBC boilers, or have been identified for decommissioning, the remaining capacity (72,310 MW) is likely to meet the norms by the deadlines. Northern region The states and locations in this region are Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The Dadri TPP and Unchhar TPS in Uttar Pradesh and the Mahatma Gandhi TPP in Haryana (cumulative capacity of 3,150 MW) are the only plants in the northern region that are complying with the norms. These plants account for a mere 7 per cent of the total capacity in the region. Also, 1,025 MW capacity in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh is at a very initial stage of compliance. In the case of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, 6,440 MW capacity was commissioned after January 1, 2017, two years after the enforcement of the emission norms — yet these plants are not complying with the norms. In the case of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), 10,075 MW is likely to comply with the norms. Of this, 3,390 MW has awarded bids, 3,180 MW has floated tenders, 2,480 MW has finalised tender documents and 1,025 MW is still at a feasibility stage. The Panipat TPS (710 MW), owned by the state-run Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd (HPGCL), is unlikely to meet the 2024 deadline as the plant is yet to award a work order for FGD commissioning. Southern region In Karnataka, which had reported zero compliance in the December 2021 CEA status report, 260 MW now claims to be SO2 compliant. In Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there is a substantial increase in the capacity that is likely to meet the norms. Andhra Pradesh has the highest coal power capacity among all states in the region which would miss the deadlines; this capacity has already completed its most efficient operational life of 25 years. The Dr Narla Tata Rao TPS, Vizag TPP (Andhra Pradesh), Muthiara TPP, North Chennai TPS (Tamil Nadu), and the Thoothukudi Station-IV TPS (Telangana) are likely to miss the deadlines. Not a single power plant in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is complying with the norms till date. The region also has the highest capacity (9,245 MW) in the country that is still exploring the feasibility of SO2 control on the premises of the plants. Around 6,270 MW capacity was commissioned in this region after 2017 in the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka – but these plants still do not have SO2 control measures in place. Yadav points out that the latest National Electricity Plan (NEP) for 2022-32 justifies the lackadaisical approach of the power generation companies by putting the onus on delays in implementation of the norms on several factors. The key ones among these are the sector’s dependency on the external market for 30 per cent of FGD components; the novelty of the technology for the Indian market; and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yadav says: “It is unclear how one or two years of the pandemic would contribute to delaying the implementation process by five-six years. On top of that, the NEP has advocated for different standards for plants in different locations. It will not be surprising if we see another extension in the deadline soon; or worse, diluted norms for several plants.

मनोरमा मौर्या द्वारा प्लांट के सुचारू रूप से संचालन करने के निर्देश दिए गए।

नगर पालिका परिषद जौनपुर में मल एवं गाद प्रबंधन को लेकर विस्तृत चर्चा की गई, नगर क्षेत्र में अमृत योजना अंतर्गत 32 KLD क्षमता वाले फीकल स्लज एवं सेप्टेज शोधन प्लांट का निर्माण किया गया है। सर्व प्रथम अमृत योजना से श्री घनश्याम ( UIS) ने योजना की पृष्ठभूमि को बताते हुए बैठक को आगे बढ़ाया। प्लांट के सुचारू रूप से संचालन के लिए सेन्टर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट से कार्यक्रम अधिकारी श्री मनीष मिश्रा द्वारा नगर पालिका जौनपुर में एकदिवसीय प्रशिक्षण दिया गया। जिसमें शहरी स्तर पर मल एवं गाद प्रबंधन के लिए विस्तृत जानकारी साझा की। नगर पालिका परिषद अध्यक्ष महोदया श्रीमती मनोरमा मौर्या द्वारा प्लांट के सुचारू रूप से संचालन करने के निर्देश दिए गए। अधिशासी अधिकारी संतोष कुमार मिश्र द्वारा प्लांट को सतत रूप से चलाने के लिए एवं वित्तीय स्थिति सही रखने के लिए एक समर्पित खाते का सुझाव दिया गया साथ ही मल एवं गाद प्रबंधन के लिए उपनियम तैयार करने के निर्देश दिए। बैठक में जल निगम से आए श्री राजीव श्रीवास्तव (ए ई) एवं श्री अभिषेक पांडे (जे ई) ने प्लांट की रूप रेखा के बारे में विस्तृत जानकारी साझा की। इस अवसर पर नगर पालिका से सफाई एवं खाद्य निरीक्षक अवधेश चंद्र यादव, हरीशचंद्र यादव, अवर अभियंता जलकल रागिनी मौर्या, ट्रां सपोर्ट प्रभारी अनिल यादव, डी०पी०एम० अमित यादव, रुबीकॉन प्राइवेट लिमिटेड के प्रतिनिधि आदि उपस्थित रहे।

Are coal power plants spewing sulfur?

Karnataka coal-based power plants (CBPP)assessment shows that while the state has a total coal-based power capacity of 9,480 MW, only 2.74% of this capacity is currently complying with sulfur dioxide emission norms laid down by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). As per the norms laid down by MoEFCC, coal-fired thermal power plants have to install emission control equipment (Flue-Gas Desulfurization) to remove sulfur dioxide from waste gases. The assessment by Delhi-based Center for Science and Environment (CSE) shows that while only 260 MW capacity is complying with emission norms as of April 2023, none of these plants are state-owned. The emission norms were introduced in 2015, with 2017 as the deadline for compliance. However, the deadline extended to five years for all coal-fired TPPs, making December 2022 the new deadline to install emission control equipment. Coal-fired TPPs were also divided into three categories, each with a different deadline for compliance. However, when it became evident that the majority of the TPPs located close to cities (less than 10 kilometres) with a million-plus population will miss the December 2022 deadline, MoEFCC decided to extend the deadlines for all three categories by another two years. Finally, the report also highlights that 600 MW capacity is in a feasibility state and nearly all the power plants are likely to comply with the emission norms in time. “This high likelihood of compliance is also because all the coal-fired TPPs in Karnataka are placed under Category C (those outside then 10 km radius of cities with million plus population, critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities) and have almost another four years to comply. Of the capacity that is likely to meet the norms, 75% has already awarded work orders to vendors for commissioning FGDs and 18 % has opened bids. However, Torangallu TPS (extension) of 600 MW is still at the feasibility stage of compliance,” said the report. India scenario The assessment also reveals that only 5% of the coal power capacity (i.e., 10,710 MW) had complied with SOx emission norms and 17% of overall coal power capacity is still at the very initial stages of compliance. A state-wise comparison shows that Maharashtra has the highest capacity for complying with the norms, followed by Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.

Govt’s effort are on to bring renewable energy within reach and budget of common public: AT Mondal

Meghalaya Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal on Friday said that for state like Meghalaya which is struggling with the challenges of hydroelectric energy, this is the time when a solution should be found regarding the option of new sources of energy. Mondal also said the alternative of hydroelectric energy is renewable energy for which the government’s efforts are on. While addressing the issue on high price of renewable energy, Abu Taher Mondal said that it is the effort of the government to connect more and more sectors and departments with renewable energy. He also said that this is an option for Meghalaya, which is struggling with electricity problem, which the government is promoting so that rural areas can also be connected to it, and the government’s efforts are on to bring it within the reach and budget of the common people. AT Mondal spoke about the issue during a seminar which was organised by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Exploring pathways to clean energy: National Seminar held in Shillong

The Meghalaya New & Renewable Energy Development Agency in collaboration with Ministry of New & Renewable Energy on Friday conducted a National Seminar on Promotion of Clean Energy Access in North East India, at Courtyard by Marriot, Police Bazar, Shillong. Meghalaya Power Minister, A T Mondal graced the inaugural programme as the Chief Guest. In his inaugural address, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Ministry for organising such platforms in the region and said that it is a great opportunity for the state and the region as a whole to tap other forms of new and renewable energy in order to address the power shortage especially in Meghalaya. He hoped that the deliberations in the sessions will go a long way in promoting sustainable energy in the region. The main objective of the seminar is to explore and understand potential pathways to energize the population of North Eastern states through clean energy interventions. The day long programme saw the participation of resource persons who spoke on a wide range of topics relating to Overview and Current Status of Compressed Biogas, Biomass Pellets and Briquettes as Fuels, Role of Energy Access in Livelihood Enhancement in North East, Penetration of Small and Medium Scale Biogas Plants with a Special Focus on North East states, etc. The seminar was also attended by various Government agencies including Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS), IIT Guwahati and North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR).

मेघालय में स्वच्छ ऊर्जा को बढ़ावा देने पर राष्ट्रीय सेमिनार आयोजित

मेघालय नवीन और नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा विकास एजेंसी ने नवीन और नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा मंत्रालय के सहयोग से शुक्रवार को कोर्टयार्ड बाय मैरियट, पुलिस बाजार, शिलांग में उत्तर-पूर्व भारत में स्वच्छ ऊर्जा पहुंच को बढ़ावा देने पर एक राष्ट्रीय संगोष्ठी आयोजित की। मेघालय के ऊर्जा मंत्री, ए.टी. मंडल, मुख्य अतिथि के रूप में उद्घाटन कार्यक्रम में शामिल हुए। सेमिनार का मुख्य उद्देश्य स्वच्छ ऊर्जा हस्तक्षेपों के माध्यम से पूर्वोत्तर राज्यों की आबादी को ऊर्जावान बनाने के संभावित तरीकों का पता लगाना और समझना है। दिन भर चले कार्यक्रम में संसाधन व्यक्तियों की भागीदारी देखी गई, जिन्होंने ईंधन के रूप में संपीड़ित बायोगैस, बायोमास छर्रों और ब्रिकेट्स के अवलोकन और वर्तमान स्थिति, उत्तर पूर्व में आजीविका संवर्धन में ऊर्जा पहुंच की भूमिका, प्रवेश से संबंधित विषयों की एक विस्तृत श्रृंखला पर बात की। उत्तर पूर्व राज्यों आदि पर विशेष ध्यान देने के साथ छोटे और मध्यम पैमाने के बायोगैस संयंत्रों की स्थापना। सेमिनार में सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरनमेंट (सीएसई), एसोसिएशन ऑफ रिन्यूएबल एनर्जी एजेंसीज ऑफ स्टेट्स (एआरईएएस) सहित विभिन्न सरकारी एजेंसियों ने भी भाग लिया। ), आईआईटी गुवाहाटी और नॉर्थ ईस्ट सेंटर फॉर टेक्नोलॉजी एप्लीकेशन एंड रीच (NECTAR) ने एक प्रेस विज्ञप्ति में कहा।