Exemption of Installation of Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems

Why in the news?

Recently, the Environment Ministry has exempted the majority of India’s coal-fired plants from mandatorily installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are designed to cut sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

• Original Mandate, 2017 – The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) mandated that Required all coal-fired plants to install FGD systems by 2017 to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions.
• Limited Compliance - As of July 2025, only a small percentage of power plants (approximately 8%) have installed FGD systems, with most installations by public sector companies like NTPC.
• Reasons for Delays - Challenges such as high capital costs, limited vendor availability, space constraints, and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to delays in implementation.
• Recent Policy Changes - The Environment Ministry has exempted 79% of India’s coal-fired power plants from the mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems.
• A recent gazette notification restricted the mandatory installation of FGD systems to plants located within 10 kilometres of cities with a population exceeding one million.
• Exemptions - Plants located beyond this 10km radius are now largely exempt from the mandatory FGD installation.
• Case-by-Case Evaluation - Plants in critically polluted areas or "non-attainment cities" (cities exceeding air quality standards for five consecutive years) will be evaluated individually for FGD requirements.
• Impact of Relaxation - This policy shift is expected to reduce electricity costs.
• Continuing Debate - There is ongoing discussion regarding the necessity and effectiveness of FGD systems, with some studies suggesting Indian coal has a lower sulphur content and that SO₂ levels near plants are already within permissible limits.
• Alternative Perspectives - Some researchers argue for a more focused approach, recommending that FGD systems be mandatory only for plants using imported or high-sulphur coal.
• They emphasize prioritizing other measures like controlling particulate matter pollution.

Reference

The Hindu| Exemption of Installation of Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems