Why in the news?
The Supreme Court on July 21, 2020 extended the time given to install a flue-gas desulfurisation (FGD) plant in all the five units of the government-run Sipat Super Thermal Power Station in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district. (Down to Earth)
Before that, on July 14, 2020, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) advised an NGO to approach the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for highlighting some of the technical issues related to SO2 emission. (Financial Express)
Background?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules (EPAR) in December 2015.
The rules were aimed at reducing emissions of particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs).
The initial deadline for compliance was December 2017 which was extended to December 2022 by the Supreme Court.
Criticism?
Flue-Gas Desulfurisation (FGDs) are being imposed to limit SO2 emissions from thermal power plants. However, Union Ministry may have overlooked the fact that Indian coals have lower sulphur-content compared to imported coal. (Financial Express)
What is flue-gas desulfurisation (FGD?
The Flue-Gas Desulfurisation (FGD) process utilizes a set of technologies to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the flue gas emissions of coal-fired power plants.
The system was developed as a response to the exhaust – flue gases – from fossil fuel-burning plants, principally coal-burning, that posed both an environmental and human health hazard. (Micronics)
What are flue gases?
The mixture of gases resulting from combustion and other reactions in a furnace, passing off through the smoke flue ( a pipe or channel for conveying exhaust gases).
Source: Financial Express, Down to Earth, Science Direct, Micronics
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