The activity of desulphurization of coal-fired power plants, as mandated by the environment ministry, is lagging behind schedule, it was recently informed in Parliament.
Up to end-December 2020, only 68 coal-fired power units had implemented SO2 emission control measures, it was informed. Out of these, 48 units had CFBC (circulating fluidized-bed combustion) boilers, 16 units had wet flue-gas desulphurization (FGD) while the remaining four units had dry FGD.
It may be mentioned that for control of SO2 emission, thermal power plants can opt for any approach based on the concentration of SO2 emission in flue gas. Some options include addition of limestone during combustion in CFBC boilers, installation of flue-gas desulphurization (dry or wet) units, etc.
As of end-December 2020, there were as many as 442 units aggregating 167,562 mw (or roughly 168 GW) that were under various stages of implementation of FGD units.
It was also informed in Parliament that some of the reasons why FGD installations are facing delay are:
- Limited availability of vendors
- Price escalation due to limited supply of components
- Impact of COVID-19 on supply chain
- Restriction on import from prior reference countries
The 2022 deadline
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines, coal-based power plants are to ensure compliance of the environmental standards, including for SO2 emissions, notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), by its notification dated December 7, 2015.
In view the techno-economic feasibility and in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply position in the country, a phased implementation plan for installation of FGD by thermal power plants was submitted to MoEF&CC on October 13, 2017. The deadline for this programme was end-2022.
Also See: GE Power India reiterates commitment to local FGD business
Accordingly, CPCB has issued directions under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to thermal power plants to comply with emission norms in a phased manner.
(Featured photograph showing a wet FGD installation is for illustration only)
