India's New Approach to Flue Gas Desulphurisation: A Balanced Regulatory Shift

India's Regulatory Update on FGD Systems

India's recent decision to modify its regulations regarding flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems in coal-fired power plants is being interpreted globally as a progressive step rather than a setback for environmental standards. This change reflects a growing trend among nations to customize emissions regulations based on local circumstances and comprehensive climate assessments.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has declared that FGD systems, which are essential for eliminating sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from emissions, will now be compulsory only for power plants situated in heavily populated urban areas or regions facing severe pollution. Approximately 80% of India's coal power capacity, primarily utilizing low-sulphur domestic coal, will not be required to implement these systems.

This decision is backed by evaluations from three independent Indian research institutions, which found that SO₂ levels in the atmosphere remain within national limits, even in areas lacking FGDs. Additionally, retrofitting existing plants was estimated to lead to an increase in CO₂ emissions by nearly 70 million tonnes over five years, primarily due to the need for additional limestone extraction and energy consumption.

The regulatory change is anticipated to lower electricity generation costs by Rs 0.25 to Rs 0.30 per kilowatt-hour, providing immediate financial relief to consumers and alleviating the burden on India's financially strained power distribution companies. Industry analysts have characterized this adjustment as 'regulatory realism,' aimed at maintaining affordability while still achieving essential environmental objectives.

India's approach is not isolated; countries like the US, Europe, and China, which were early adopters of FGD technologies, have also transitioned towards more flexible enforcement and performance-based compliance strategies. For instance, after an extensive FGD implementation phase from 2004 to 2012, China has shifted to applying regional standards and focusing more on reducing PM2.5 emissions and enhancing overall system efficiency.

While some critics argue that easing regulations could hinder progress towards clean air initiatives, government officials assert that the revised framework prioritizes pollution control in the most affected areas and reallocates billions in funding for more impactful solutions, such as electrostatic precipitators, real-time monitoring systems, and upgrades to renewable energy grids.

For numerous developing nations that still depend on coal, India's recalibrated strategy may provide a viable model—ambitious when necessary, cost-effective when feasible, and always guided by data.