New Delhi, Jul 13 – An independent analysis has raised concerns over India’s recent relaxation of sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission control norms for coal-fired power plants, warning that the scientific studies used to justify this decision contain contradictions that could jeopardize public health. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) released a report last month, alleging that institutions like NEERI, NIAS, and IIT Delhi are being “selectively used to justify inaction” by power plants, which have delayed the installation of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units essential for controlling SO2 emissions.

India established stringent SO2 emission standards for coal-based power plants in December 2015, mandating compliance within two years. However, as of now, 92% of coal-fired power plants have not installed FGDs, despite multiple extensions. The environment ministry recently extended the compliance deadline for plants within 10 km of the National Capital Region or cities with populations exceeding one million from December 2024 to December 2027. Plants in critically polluted areas will be assessed individually, while others are exempt if they meet stack height criteria.

Out of approximately 600 thermal power units in India, 462 are classified as Category C and 72 as Category B. The ministry cited various studies, techno-economic concerns, COVID-related delays, and recommendations from the Ministry of Power as reasons for this extension. CREA’s report, titled “From scientific evidence to excuses,” refuted these justifications, stating that the studies from NEERI, NIAS, and IIT Delhi are being misrepresented to argue against the necessity of FGDs.

CREA criticized NEERI’s claim that ambient SO2 levels are low, asserting that air quality monitoring stations do not accurately reflect the impact of power plant emissions. The report emphasized that SO2 emission norms are based on stack emissions rather than ambient levels, and using low ambient readings to argue against FGDs is scientifically flawed. CREA pointed out that NEERI’s own report acknowledged that installing FGDs would reduce sulphur emissions and improve ambient air quality.

The analysis also highlighted findings from IIT Delhi, which indicated that implementing FGDs could lead to a significant decrease in sulfate aerosol concentrations, even at distances of up to 200 km from power plants. Despite these findings, a 2024 IIT Delhi report recommended halting FGD installations in plants that have not yet adopted the technology.

CREA’s analysis revealed alarming statistics regarding the health impacts of coal-fired power plants, estimating that they caused 47,000 deaths in 2014, 62,000 in 2017, and 78,000 in 2018. The report warned that health impacts could worsen as India plans to add 80-100 GW of new coal-fired capacity. A previous NIAS report estimated that full FGD implementation would contribute only 0.9% to India’s total CO2 emissions by 2030, comparable to emissions from a single large coal-based power plant.

CREA criticized the focus on the marginal CO2 increase from FGDs while ignoring the larger emissions from new coal capacity. The organization also addressed concerns about prolonged shutdowns during FGD installations, citing NTPC data that showed most FGDs were fitted during regular maintenance without additional shutdowns.

Recent studies from IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay confirmed that coal-fired power plants are a significant source of air pollution in India, contributing up to 12% of PM2.5 levels during winter. CREA argued that since emissions from these plants have far-reaching impacts on air quality, FGD installation should be mandatory across the country, regardless of plant location. The organization emphasized that FGDs are essential for protecting public health and reducing preventable diseases caused by air pollution.