Majority of Thermal Power Plants Exempted from SO₂ Emission Cuts as Environment Ministry Eases FGD Norms

In a controversial shift, India’s Environment Ministry has exempted the vast majority of thermal power plants from installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems — crucial technology for reducing sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, a major contributor to air pollution and secondary particulate matter (PM).

Under new rules notified this week, only about 11% of India’s 600 thermal power plant (TPP) units — classified as Category A — must mandatorily install FGD systems. These include plants within a 10 km radius of the National Capital Region (NCR) or cities with a population of over one million (as per the 2011 Census). Their deadline has now been extended to December 30, 2027.

Another 11%, under Category B, located near critically polluted areas (CPA) or non-attainment cities (NAC), may have to install FGDs, depending on a review by an Expert Appraisal Committee. If mandated, they must comply by December 30, 2028.

The remaining 78% of units — Category C — are now fully exempt from installing FGDs.

This easing of rules aligns with recommendations made by a high-level expert committee formed by Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood in April 2025. The committee cited low ambient SO₂ levels nationwide, the naturally low sulphur content in Indian coal, and minimal observed difference in PM levels between areas with and without operational FGDs.

---

Pushback from Environmental Experts

The announcement has sparked criticism from scientists and environmental policy experts.

“With nearly 15% of India’s PM2.5 pollution coming from coal combustion, this notification is short-sighted and not grounded in atmospheric science,” said Kartik Ganesan, a researcher at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).

Manoj Kumar from the Centre for Research and Energy on Clean Air warned that the decision ignores the long-range impact of SO₂ emissions, which can affect areas up to 200 km away.

“Tall chimneys don’t eliminate pollution — they just shift it higher. SO₂ still converts into fine, toxic particles in the atmosphere,” he said, adding that millions of people could face increased risks of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.

---

Why the Rollback?

Despite the environmental concerns, compliance with previous FGD deadlines has remained dismal — only 8% of TPPs have installed the systems. The Power Ministry has repeatedly cited hurdles including:

• Limited domestic vendors for FGD equipment

• High installation costs

• Potential rise in consumer electricity bills

• Pandemic-related disruptions

The Ministry has extended deadlines multiple times, with little to no enforcement of penalties for non-compliance.

---

What’s at Stake?

While the Environment Ministry argues that SO₂ levels remain within permissible limits and that FGDs may not significantly reduce PM levels, environmentalists believe the latest exemption undercuts India’s clean air goals.

FGDs were a key part of India’s plan to reduce power-sector emissions, as coal continues to dominate its energy mix. With this rollback, experts fear that the burden of air pollution will grow — particularly in rural and suburban communities downwind of these plants.

Bottom line: India’s energy priorities appear to be tilting toward affordability and operational ease, even as public health experts warn of long-term costs.