Indian thermal power plants emit far more SO₂ pollutants throughout the year than stubble burning among other sources of pollution. A report by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air highlights how higher environmental compliance is most vital to reduce those emissions.
It states that though burning stubble contributes about 17.8 kilotonnes of SO₂ annually, coal-fired power plants have been emitting SO₂ levels 240 times higher. Through the years, greater attention to air pollution has nearly belied leniency by regulators in these plants while they manage to not advance with cleaner technologies.
Indias rising air quality crisis
India has a country that relies much on most of its coal-fired power plants, making the country the world’s largest emitter of SO₂ and accounting for over 15% of human-caused emissions. The capital city, Delhi, this week recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494, pushing areas into the ‘severe’ category.
The Commission for Air Quality Management therefore invoked Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan in the Delhi-National Capital Region. Construction and demolition activities were halted to control dust pollution from such sites. Mitigation of emissions from coal-fired power plants will be a long-term requirement to act, according to experts.
The Role of Flue Gas Desulfurisation (FGD) Systems
Flue Gas Desulfurisation FGD systems can cut SO₂ emissions by as much as 64%. Yet despite repeated deadlines, most thermal power plants in the country have not installed the FGD systems. Regulatory leniency has allowed these power plants to push the deadline ad infinitum, while stubble burning incurred stiff penalties.
The CREA report suggests that full-scale utilisation of FGD systems would bring about a decrease in annual SO₂ emissions from coal-fired power plants from 4,327 kilotonnes to approximately 1,547 kilotonnes. With such reduction, it would be a giant step toward mitigating this air pollution and associated health hazards.
Health and Environmental Impacts of SO₂ Pollution
This pollutant, sulphur dioxide, emitted as fossil fuel, coal, petroleum, or diesel is being burned, poses serious health effects. Most of the usual exposure to this pollutant develops respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma attacks as well as cardiovascular diseases. Acid rain further damages ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
With the increase in usage of coal by India, SO₂ emission continues to rise. The ineffective mechanisms of enforcement with regards to thermal power plants do not really help in curbing the malady.
Policy Reforms
Recommendations by CREA
The CREA report suggests some of the following measures to tackle this issue:
Installation Time Frame of FGD System-Sector wise deadline for installation of emission-reducing technologies be set up.
Monetary penalty towards plants that fail to achieve the norms of emission.
Regular Monitoring: Strengthening oversight to ensure that FGD systems are implemented and operational.
These measures aim to hold thermal power plants accountable while reducing the country’s overall SO₂ emissions.
Conclusion
The report by CREA indicates an inordinate contribution of thermal power plants to sulfur dioxide emissions and more stringent regulatory measures needed. As mounting air quality challenges affect India, enforcing compliance to environmental norms for coal-fired power plants will bring in cleaner air and protect public health.
Source: Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Business Standard