Latest news with #FGD
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
NTPC halts FGD work at 5 plants after government exemption; 7 GW projects hit
NTPC has asked Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd ( BHEL ) to halt installation of flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems at five under-construction coal-fired power plants days after the government exempted most thermal power plants from FGD requirement. The stop work request covers Lara-II, Singrauli-III, Sipat-III, Darlipalli-II, and Telangana-II plants. This translates into desulphurisation works being stalled on projects with over 7 GW capacity that are under construction. "Considering the recent notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, BHEL is requested to keep all activities related to FGD for the aforementioned projects on hold until further communication," NTPC said in a communication to BHEL. The ministry in a gazette notification on July 11 exempted coal-fired power plants outside a 10-km radius of populated and polluted cities from a 2015 mandate to install FGD systems in phases. BHEL is the country's primary supplier of FGD systems, which remove sulphur dioxide from the plants' exhaust gases. "BHEL has some foreign collaborators in FGD projects and may seek compensation from NTPC for the stop work order," an official aware of the NTPC letter told ET. NTPC had floated several tenders and installed, or is in the process of installing, multiple FGD systems after a 2015 directive made them mandatory for all coal-based plants to meet revised environmental standards. Responding to queries from ET, BHEL said the matter is too premature to comment. '…Specific queries cannot be responded definitively at this stage,' the company said. As of February, 537 thermal units totalling 204 GW capacity were identified for installation of FGDs. Of them, installation was completed in 49 units, while contracts were awarded or were under implementation in 211 units. Another 180 units were under various stages of the tendering process, according to the government. CareEdge Ratings said the FGD exemption for the majority of the plants, with 145 GW capacity, is positive for private companies or independent power producers, as it is a costly pollution control system.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
NTPC halts FGD work at 5 plants after government exemption; 7 GW projects hit
NTPC has asked Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd ( BHEL ) to halt installation of flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems at five under-construction coal-fired power plants days after the government exempted most thermal power plants from FGD requirement. The stop work request covers Lara-II, Singrauli-III, Sipat-III, Darlipalli-II, and Telangana-II plants. This translates into desulphurisation works being stalled on projects with over 7 GW capacity that are under construction. "Considering the recent notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, BHEL is requested to keep all activities related to FGD for the aforementioned projects on hold until further communication," NTPC said in a communication to BHEL. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Cybersecurity Project Management PGDM Design Thinking Management Product Management healthcare CXO Data Science Healthcare Data Science Technology Degree others MCA Public Policy Artificial Intelligence Operations Management Data Analytics Others Finance MBA Leadership Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details The ministry in a gazette notification on July 11 exempted coal-fired power plants outside a 10-km radius of populated and polluted cities from a 2015 mandate to install FGD systems in phases. BHEL is the country's primary supplier of FGD systems, which remove sulphur dioxide from the plants' exhaust gases. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These WhatsApp hacks are going viral in India google Learn More Undo "BHEL has some foreign collaborators in FGD projects and may seek compensation from NTPC for the stop work order," an official aware of the NTPC letter told ET. NTPC had floated several tenders and installed, or is in the process of installing, multiple FGD systems after a 2015 directive made them mandatory for all coal-based plants to meet revised environmental standards. Live Events Mails sent to NTPC and BHEL remained unanswered till the time of publishing. As of February, 537 thermal units totalling 204 GW capacity were identified for installation of FGDs. Of them, installation was completed in 49 units, while contracts were awarded or were under implementation in 211 units. Another 180 units were under various stages of the tendering process, according to the government. CareEdge Ratings said the FGD exemption for the majority of the plants, with 145 GW capacity, is positive for private companies or independent power producers, as it is a costly pollution control system.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Why govt has exempted 78% of coal-based thermal plants from installing anti-pollution devices
The Environment Ministry on July 11 exempted the majority of India's coal-based thermal plants from installing systems that are designed to remove sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, a key contributor to air pollution. Known as flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) devices, these systems cut SO2 from flue gas, which is a residue from thermal plants. Of the remaining plants, those around Delhi-NCR have to comply with a December 2027 deadline, and the rest will be asked to fit the devices on a case-to-case basis. Originally, these plants had to install FGD devices by 2017. However, over the years, they have received several extensions to comply. What is the reason behind the Centre's move? What do the revised rules exactly say? And why have some experts criticised the decision? Once released into the atmosphere, SO2 usually reacts with ammonia (NH3) to produce ammonium sulfate, which is responsible for roughly one-third of India's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, according to recent research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). PM2.5 is injurious to human health as it can lead to chronic diseases such as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. Direct exposure to high levels of SO2 can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure can result in increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death, according to CREA. SO2 also affects the environment as it contributes to the formation of acid rain, which can damage ecosystems. One of the biggest sources of SO2 emissions in India is the power sector, especially the coal-based thermal plants. The CREA research found the SO2 levels were higher in 2023 compared to 2019, with a notable increase in regions dominated by coal-based thermal plants. This highlighted 'the influence of power plant emissions on air quality', the research said. In 2015, the Environment Ministry notified the first-ever emission norms for control of SO2 and other harmful substances from coal-based thermal plants. These were required to install FGD devices by December 2017. However, this did not happen as the deadline was extended four times at the request of thermal plants. They argued that the installation of FGD devices was costly, and could cause several issues such as disruption of power supply due to shutdown for installation, and an increase in electricity bills. To address these concerns, the Centre amended the emission norms in 2021. It put 596 coal-based thermal plant units (one thermal plant can have multiple units) in three categories. Category A: Plants located within a 10 km radius of the National Capital Region (NCR) or cities having a million-plus population. Their deadline for compliance was 2022. Category B: Plants located within a 10 km radius of critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities. Their deadline was 2023. Category C: Remaining plants whose deadline was 2024. Note that nearly 78% of the plants were put in Category C. About 11% were in Category A, and the rest were in Category B. The latest change in the norms has exempted Category C plants from installing FGD devices. Category A plants, which are in operation and under construction, have to comply by the end of 2027. The Centre will decide compliance for Category B plants on a case-by-case basis. The Environment Ministry has also said that plants which are supposed to retire before December 2030 will not be required to meet the SO2 emission norms, provided they submit an undertaking for exemption. According to the Centre, the change in the norms is based on three studies, which suggest FGD devices are not necessary for coal-based thermal plants. These studies have been carried out by the Indian Institute of Technology–Delhi, the National Institute of Advanced Sciences (NIAS), and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). The studies have argued against the installation of FGD devices, saying that SO2 levels around the plants are well within the norms prescribed under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. They have also suggested that the government needs to focus on curbing not just SO2 emissions but rather the overall particulate matter pollution around the plants. The IIT-D and NIAS studies have said that while reducing SO2 emissions, the operation of FGD devices has increased carbon dioxide and PM pollution. All three studies were commissioned by the government or its agencies. For example, the NEERI research was commissioned by NITI Aayog. Experts have said that the claim made by the studies that SO2 levels around plants are low is misleading. For instance, CREA in a statement said, 'The air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) don't capture the real impact of power plant pollution because they don't track whether emissions drift upwind or downwind, and they certainly don't account for chemical reactions that convert SO₂ into other pollutants like PM2.5.' A 2021 analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) also contested this claim. It said that plumes from power stations travel long distances of 300 km, and during this time, they get converted to secondary pollutants. The analysis also found that the atmospheric lifetime of SO2 was about 10 days.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Relaxed FGD norms to save thermal power plants ₹19,000-₹24,000 crore annually: CareEdge Ratings
The Centre's decision to relax the mandatory installation of flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems for most coal-based thermal power plants is projected to save them a substantial ₹19,000 crore to ₹24,000 crore in annual tariff expenses. This translates to a saving of ₹0.17 to ₹0.22 per unit of tariff, according to CareEdge Ratings , as reported by IANS. The revised framework, announced last week by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, introduces a differentiated compliance approach. Under the new rules, FGD mandates will now primarily apply to plants located within 10 kilometers of cities with a population exceeding one million, and will also consider the sulphur content of the coal used. The new rules exempt the majority of India's thermal power plants from installing FGD systems. Positive impact on thermal independent power producers The report highlights that the exemption of Category C plants, which represent 80 per cent of the capacity for which FGD was yet to be implemented, is a major positive for thermal independent power producers (IPPs). According to CareEdge Ratings estimates, this will reduce the capital expenditure burden by a significant ₹87,000 crore to ₹1,16,000 crore, assuming a capital expenditure of ₹0.6-0.8 crore per MW. Sabyasachi Majumdar, Senior Director at CareEdge Ratings, said, "The exemption of Category C projects from implementation of FGD is a positive for thermal power producers since such projects comprise 80 per cent of the capacity for which FGD is yet to be implemented. This would also ease the burden of the impending tariff hike to compensate for the FGD capital expenditure." Coal-Based power remains energy backbone Despite the increasing focus on renewable energy, coal-based power generation continues to be the bedrock of India's power sector. It accounted for approximately 75 per cent of the total generation in FY2025, even though it only represents 47 per cent of the total installed capacity. This disparity is attributed to the higher Plant Load Factor (PLF) of coal-based plants compared to renewable and hydroelectric sources. Looking ahead, the report projects that the share of coal-based plants in power generation will remain significant, at around 60 per cent by FY2030. Furthermore, with overall energy consumption on the rise, the total off-take of thermal power is expected to remain substantial, reaching around 1,233 billion units in FY2030.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Emissions standard debate: Centre defends SO₂ norms tweak, justify rationale citing IIT, NEERI studies
The central government on Monday defended its controversial move to ease sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission norms for thermal power plants , asserting that the revised rules were based on detailed scientific analysis and extensive consultations. It also criticised media reports calling the move a 'regulatory dilution', saying they had 'grossly misinterpreted' the policy's intent and rationale. The clarification comes in response to mounting criticism following the environment ministry's July 11 notification, which extended emission deadlines and exempted hundreds of coal-fired plants—classified as Category C—from installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Premium 2 & 3 BHK Homes at Siddha Sky, Wadala Siddha Sky Learn More Undo In a statement issued Monday, the ministry said: 'Media reports misrepresent both the scientific evidence and the environmental policy rationale underlying the revised notification.' It emphasised that the decision followed consultations with stakeholders and premier research institutions, including IIT Delhi, the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Live Events 'Contrary to claims of regulatory dilution, the ministry's decision represents a rational, evidence-based recalibration anchored in current ambient air quality data, sectoral emission trends and broader sustainability imperatives,' the statement said, PTI reported. The ministry pushed back against suggestions that India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for SO₂—last revised in 2009—are outdated, calling such claims 'scientifically unfounded.' It said any revision to SO₂ limits must be based on actual contributions to PM2.5 levels and associated health impacts, rather than 'rhetorical assertions.' The ministry cited a study by IIT Delhi, which showed that sulfate—formed from SO₂—contributed only 0.96% to 5.21% of PM2.5, and 0.57% to 3.67% of PM10, in cities near thermal power plants. By contrast, the ministry said, claims that sulphur compounds contribute 12–30% to PM2.5 were 'unsubstantiated' and not backed by any rigorous Indian study. 'Current exposure levels provide no credible evidence to suggest that SO₂, under prevailing ambient conditions, is a major public health concern,' it said. The revised notification retains the December 2027 compliance deadline for Category A plants—those located within a 10-km radius of the National Capital Region or cities with a population of over 1 million. For Category B plants—those near critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities—the ministry has moved from a fixed 2025 deadline to a case-by-case assessment approach. The most sweeping change applies to Category C plants, which comprise the bulk of India's thermal fleet. These units have been completely exempted from installing FGD units, provided they comply with prescribed stack height norms by December 31, 2029. The earlier deadline was December 2026. Of roughly 600 thermal power units in India, 462 are in Category C and 72 in Category B, according to the ministry. India first announced SO₂ emission standards for coal-based power plants in December 2015, mandating FGD installation within two years. But nearly a decade and four extensions later, 92% of plants are yet to comply. Environmental groups have expressed concern that this rollback will worsen India's already severe air pollution crisis. Medical experts have long linked SO₂ exposure and secondary PM2.5 formation to respiratory and cardiovascular ailments. However, the government insisted that its revised standards strike a balance between environmental objectives and energy sector realities. 'This is not a dilution, but a strategic recalibration based on evolving scientific and sectoral evidence,' the ministry said.
