UPSC Daily Current Affairs-Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)

Why in News? The Environment Ministry of India  has recently announced that 78% of coal-based thermal power plants will not need to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) devices, which are meant to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution.

 Relevance : UPSC Pre &  Mains

Prelims :  FGD

Mains  : GS3

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?

• FGD devices help remove sulphur dioxide (SO2) from the exhaust gases of coal power plants.
• SO2 is harmful because it:
  • Causes acid rain
  • Leads to asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, and lung problems
  • Increases 5 pollution (fine particulate matter that is dangerous for health)

Why Are SO2 Emissions a Problem?

• SO2 from coal plants reacts with ammonia in the air, forming tiny particles (PM2.5) that:
  • Affect the lungs and heart
  • Cause cancer, strokes, and early death
• India is the world’s largest SO2 emitter from coal-based power plants.
• SO2 also damages crops, soil, and buildings.

What Was the Original Rule?

• In 2015, the government set new pollution control rules.
• All coal plants were told to install FGDs by 2017.
• But the plants asked for more time because:
  • Installing FGDs is costly
  • It could disrupt electricity supply during installation.

How did the Government Divide the Coal Plants?

In 2021, the government created 3 categories:

What is the Latest Decision (2025)?

• The government has relaxed the rules.
• Category C plants, if set up after December 2003, do not need to install FGDs.
• Plants that will retire by 2030 are fully exempt.
• Plants can now apply for exemptions on a case-by-case basis.

Why did the Government Change the Rule?

Based on 3 studies by:

• IIT Delhi
• National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
• NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute)

Findings of the studies:

• SO2 emissions from plants are within safe limits.
• FGDs are not needed everywhere.
• Focus should be on reducing PM2.5, not just SO2.
• FGDs increase carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which worsens climate change.