Balancing Energy Needs with Environmental Obligations

Syllabus Areas:

GS III - Environment

On July 11, the Environment Ministry of India exempted 78% of coal-based thermal power plants from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) devices meant to control sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions — a major air pollutant.

Why Are SO2 Emissions Harmful?,

  • Health Impact: SO2 is linked to asthma, heart disease, bronchitis, respiratory issues, and increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and premature deaths.
  • Environmental Impact: SO2 contributes to acid rain and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) formations
  • Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) findings: SO2 is responsible for one-third of India’s PM2.5 pollution.

What Are Emission Norms?

Emission norms are regulatory standards set by the Environment Ministry to control the release of pollutants from thermal power plants into the atmosphere.

  • In 2015, the Indian government notified first-ever emission norms for coal-based thermal plants to control pollutants like:
    • Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
    • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
    • Particulate Matter (PM)
    • Mercury
  • Plants were mandated to install pollution control technologies like Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) to reduce SO₂ emissions.

Objective:

  • To reduce air pollution and improve public health.
  • Align with India’s international commitments under climate and environmental treaties.

Original Timeline for Compliance

  • Plants were originally required to install FGD systems and meet emission norms by December 2017.
  • However, due to High cost of installation, Technical challenges, and Disruption risks to electricity supply, the government extended deadlines multiple times.

Plants were categorized into three groups:

  • Category A: Within 10 km of NCR or cities with >1 million population. Deadline: 2022
  • Category B: Within 10 km of critically polluted/non-attainment cities. Deadline: 2023
  • Category C: All other plants (78% of all coal plants in India are in this Category C.) Deadline: 2024

What has changed now (in 2025)?

The Environment Ministry has said:

  • Category C plants don’t need to install FGD systems anymore
  • They only need to give a written undertaking that their SO₂ emissions are low enough
  • If they do that, they will be exempted from the FGD requirement
  • Only 11% were in Category A, rest in B.
  • The government also said:
    • New thermal power plants that start after 2030 will also be automatically exempt from installing FGDs if they submit an undertaking to follow SO₂ norms.
Balancing Energy Needs with Environmental Obligations

Rationale Behind the Exemption and Criticisms:

  • Based on three government-commissioned studies (IIT-Delhi, NIAS, NEERI):
    • SO2 emissions around plants are within limits.
    • Emphasis should shift from SO2 to 5 and other pollutants.
    • FGDs reduce SO2 but increase CO2 emissions and operational costs.
  • Health risks are underestimated.
  • Plumes from power stations travel over 300 km, affecting downwind populations.

What is PM in air pollution?

PM stands for Particulate Matter. It refers to tiny solid and liquid particles found in the air.

These particles are so small that you can’t see most of them — but they can enter your lungs and even go into your bloodstream, causing serious health problems.

Types of PM

There are two main types:

  1. PM10 (Coarse Particles):
    • Diameter: Less than 10 micrometers
    • Sources: Dust from roads, construction, industrial processes, pollen, mold.
    • Can enter the nose and throat.
  2. PM2.5 (Fine Particles):
    • Diameter: Less than 5 micrometers (about 1/30th the width of a human hair!)
    • Sources: Vehicle exhaust, coal burning, wood stoves, factories, and power plants.
    • Can go deep into the lungs, and even enter the bloodstream.

Why is PM dangerous?

  • Causes breathing problems, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and premature death.
  • Children, elderly people, and people with asthma or heart problems are most at risk.
  • 5 is especially harmful because it goes deep inside the body.

Prelims Questions:

1. Which of the following pollutants are directly regulated under India's emission norms for coal-based thermal power plants notified in 2015?
  1. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
  2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)
  3. Particulate Matter (PM)
  4. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 3 and 4 only
  4. All four
2. Which of the following statements regarding Particulate Matter (PM) is/are correct?
  1. PM2.5 particles are smaller than PM10 and can penetrate deeper into human lungs.
  2. PM10 particles are responsible for acid rain formation.
  3. Particulate Matter is measured in micrograms per cubic meter of air.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
3. Consider the following regarding the categorization of thermal power plants under India’s emission norms:
  1. Category A includes plants located within 10 km of cities with more than 1 million population.
  2. Category B includes plants located in critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities
  3. Category C includes all plants located within the National Capital Region (NCR).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Mains Question:

  • "The relaxation of emission norms for coal-based thermal power plants in India reflects a conflict between environmental protection and energy security." Critically examine the implications of such policy decisions on public health, environmental sustainability, and India’s international climate commitments. 15 marks 250 words