Flue Gas Desulphurisation Exemption for Thermal Power Plants: A UPSC-Focused Analysis
By Suryavanshi IAS, Lucknow
🔍 Context
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently exempted 78% of India’s thermal power plants (TPPs) from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units—devices designed to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. This decision aligns with the recommendation of a scientific committee constituted by the Principal Scientific Adviser in April 2025.
This development has implications for air pollution control, public health, and India's climate commitments, making it a crucial topic for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
📘 What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?
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FGD is a technology used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gases released by coal-fired power plants.
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SO₂ is a major contributor to secondary particulate matter (PM2.5) and acid rain.
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Common FGD methods include:
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Wet scrubbers (using limestone and water)
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Dry scrubbers
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Seawater FGD
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🏭 New Categorisation of Thermal Power Plants
There are 600 units across 180 thermal power plants in India. The new classification is:
| Category | Coverage | FGD Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Within 10 km of NCR or cities with >1 million population (2011 Census) | Mandatory | 30 Dec 2027 |
| B | Within 10 km of Critically Polluted Areas (CPA) or Non-Attainment Cities (NAC) | Conditional (EAC decision) | 30 Dec 2028 |
| C | All others (78% units) | Exempted | None |
⚠️ Why This Is Controversial
✖ Arguments for exemption:
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Indian coal has low sulphur content.
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SO₂ levels are already below permissible limits in most places.
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FGD has high capital and operational costs.
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COVID-19 and lack of vendors delayed FGD installation.
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Studies show negligible difference in SO₂ levels between plants with or without FGD.
✔ Counterarguments:
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SO₂ leads to secondary PM2.5, linked to lung and heart diseases.
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Thermal plants impact regions up to 200 km away (transboundary pollution).
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Tall chimneys disperse SO₂ but do not reduce it.
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FGD is essential for India's public health and environmental justice.
🧪 Scientific Basis Under Question
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MoEFCC’s decision is based on select data showing low sulphate content in PM samples.
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However, experts argue that:
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Secondary pollutants form far from the source.
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15% of PM2.5 pollution is linked to coal combustion.
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Exemption weakens India's commitment to clean energy transitions.
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📜 UPSC Relevance: Prelims & Mains
Prelims Concepts:
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Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)
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PM2.5 and SO₂ pollution
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Non-attainment cities (NAC)
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Critically Polluted Areas (CPA)
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National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Mains GS Paper 3:
Environment & Pollution
Sample Question:
“Discuss the implications of exempting thermal power plants from installing flue gas desulphurisation systems on air pollution and public health in India.”
Answer Hints:
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Begin with what FGDs are.
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Discuss pollution from SO₂ and formation of PM2.5.
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Explain the categorisation of plants and MoEFCC’s reasoning.
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Give expert counterviews.
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Conclude with need for balance between economy, energy and environment.
📖 Previous Year UPSC Questions
Prelims 2016
Q. The term "Intended Nationally Determined Contribution" is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:
a) Pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East
b) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
d) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals
Answer: ✅ b)
Mains 2020 (GS3)
Q. “Describe the benefits of the National Air Quality Index.”
Points to Include:
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Monitoring PM10, PM2.5, SO₂, NO₂ etc.
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Citizens’ right to know.
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Helps policymaking.
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Reduces health risks by informing vulnerable groups.
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