New Delhi exempts most thermal power plants from SO₂‑curbing FGDs under new norms
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a significant advisory, exempting the majority of India’s Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) from installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems, designed to curb Sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. This strategic recalibration, rooted in extensive scientific consultation and ambient air quality data, marks an evidence-based evolution in India’s approach to industrial pollution control, aiming for a more targeted and effective environmental policy.
The Ministry has clarified that recent media reports regarding the applicability of SO2 norms for TPPs have been misinterpreted. It asserts that the revised standards are the outcome of comprehensive consultations with diverse stakeholders and leading research institutions, including IIT Delhi, the National Institute of Advanced Studies, and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), alongside detailed scientific examination by the Central Pollution Control Board. This collaborative, data-driven process underpins the policy’s rationale.
Contrary to perceptions of regulatory dilution, the Ministry’s decision represents a rational, evidence-based adjustment anchored in current ambient air quality data and sectoral emission trends. Detailed analysis conducted by IIT Delhi indicates that sulfate aerosols, formed from SO2, constitute a relatively minor fraction of PM2.5, ranging from 0.96% to 5.21% in cities near TPPs. The Ministry explicitly refutes claims suggesting SO2 contributes 12-30% of PM2.5, stating such assertions lack rigorous scientific backing from studies in major Indian cities.
This policy shift is predicated on the assessment that, under prevailing ambient conditions, SO2 is not currently identified as a major public health concern. By focusing resources on pollutants that demonstrably pose greater risks to public health and environmental integrity, India aims to optimise its pollution control efforts. This pragmatic approach allows for a more efficient allocation of capital and technological resources, potentially accelerating the broader transition towards a cleaner energy matrix and fostering sustainable urban development.
The long-term vision for India’s energy sector remains firmly aligned with a zero net carbon future, driven by a strategic shift towards renewable energy sources. While thermal power continues to play a role in meeting immediate energy demands, policies like this recalibration of SO2 norms allow for a nuanced approach to environmental management. It ensures that regulatory burdens are proportionate to actual environmental impacts, thereby supporting a stable energy supply that is crucial for equitable growth and the well-being of all citizens, without compromising the overarching goal of eco-friendly and gender-neutral cities.
Ultimately, the Ministry’s advisory underscores a commitment to dynamic environmental governance, where policy decisions are adaptive and informed by the latest scientific understanding. This approach seeks to ensure that India’s environmental regulations are not only robust but also pragmatic, effectively addressing pollution challenges while facilitating the nation’s developmental aspirations and its journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
