CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
A recent study commissioned by the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has suggested that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) should reconsider its 2015 directive. This policy required all 537 coal-based thermal power plants across the country to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units a move aimed at reducing emissions of harmful pollutants, particularly sulphur dioxide (SO2).
However, before evaluating the policy implications, it's essential to understand what FGD technology is, how it works, and why it was introduced in the first place.
About Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)
Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is an industrial process used to eliminate sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the exhaust gases produced by fossil fuel-based power plants. When fossil fuels like coal or oil are burned, they release several pollutants, and SO2 is one of the most concerning due to its harmful effects on human health and the environment.
FGD systems work by introducing an absorbent or sorbent material that reacts with the SO2 present in the flue gases and neutralizes it. This process can reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by up to 95%, significantly lowering the environmental footprint of thermal power plants.
FGD Technology Work
There are various methods to perform flue gas desulphurisation, but the wet scrubbing process is the most widely used, particularly in large-scale coal-fired power stations.
Wet FGD Process
In this system, the exhaust gases are passed through a scrubber or absorber tower where they come into contact with an aqueous slurry of absorbing materials such as limestone (calcium carbonate), lime (calcium hydroxide), ammonia, or sodium sulphite.
The limestone slurry reacts chemically with the sulphur dioxide in the flue gas, forming by-products such as gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate).
This gypsum by-product can be collected and, in many cases, reused in the construction industry, particularly for manufacturing drywall.
This process not only reduces air pollution but also provides a potential source of revenue through the reuse of gypsum.
FGD Necessary For India Power Sector
India relies heavily on coal for electricity generation. A significant proportion of the country’s thermal power plants burn high-sulphur content coal, with some varieties containing up to 4% sulphur. When burned, each tonne of such coal releases a substantial amount of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere.
To give a perspective, a single coal-fired power plant can consume over 5,000 tonnes of coal daily. Without pollution control measures like FGD, these facilities would emit thousands of kilograms of SO2 each day, leading to severe air quality deterioration and health hazards.
Health And Environmental Impacts Of SO2 Emissions
Respiratory Problems - SO2 can irritate the respiratory system, triggering asthma and bronchitis.
Acid Rain - When SO2 reacts with water vapor in the atmosphere, it leads to acid rain, which harms vegetation, aquatic life, and infrastructure.
Particulate Matter Formation - SO2 can also combine with other particles in the air to form fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is linked to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
Implementing FGD systems helps in complying with international environmental standards and enhances public health outcomes by reducing pollution levels.
Policy Implications And Challenges
Although the environmental benefits of FGD are clear, the directive issued by the Environment Ministry in 2015 has faced resistance. Critics argue that:
The cost of installation and maintenance of FGD units is substantial, especially for older plants nearing the end of their operational life.
There are delays in procurement and installation, due to supply chain issues and limited availability of technology providers.
In regions where the air quality is already relatively clean, the cost-benefit ratio of FGD installation might be unfavorable.
This has led to calls for a case-by-case evaluation of the FGD mandate, considering plant age, location, and pollution impact, instead of blanket implementation.
Conclusion
FGD technology remains a critical tool in reducing sulphur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. While its implementation poses financial and logistical challenges, the long-term environmental and health benefits are substantial. A balanced policy approach prioritizing high-pollution zones and ensuring funding support for retrofitting older plants can help India move towards cleaner energy production without compromising on economic efficiency.
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