Rollback of FGD Mandate for Coal Plants

Recently, a study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and conducted by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, called for the rollback of India’s 2015 policy mandating Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) in all coal-fired power plants.

Low Sulphur Content in Indian Coal

  • 92% of coal used in Indian thermal power plants contains low sulphur (0.3%-0.5%), making widespread FGD use unnecessary.
  • Existing stack height norms (minimum 220 metres) and Indian climatic conditions help disperse SO₂ emissions, limiting local air quality impacts.
  • A 2024 IIT-Delhi study found acid rain, often caused by SO₂, is not a significant concern in ....
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Ecology & Environment