FGD installations in thermal plants: Only 11 per cent commissioned

The achievement of retrofitting thermal power plants with flue-gas desulphurization (FGD) units is currently only around 11 per cent with respect to installed capacity, it was informed in Parliament.

According to a written reply given by Union power minister Manohar Lal in the Rajya Sabha on December 16, 2024, it is learnt that FGD installations have been commissioned so far in 44 thermal power generation units with aggregate capacity 22,590 MW. This represents 11.1 per cent of the total capacity of 2,04,160 MW envisaged for FGD retrofitting, spread over 537 generating units.

It is learnt that with respect to 233 units with total capacity 1,02,040 MW, FGD retrofitting is underway or contracts have been awarded. This represents 50 per cent of the total capacity.

With respect to 138 units with total capacity 43,987 MW, the FGD installation is under tendering. This stands for 21.5 per cent of the total capacity.

For the remaining 122 units totaling 35,543 MW (or 17.4 per cent of the total), the process is in the pre-tendering stage. [See table]

 

Norms

All thermal power plants are required to comply with emission norms as notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and directions given by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from time to time. Retrofitting of flue-gas desulphurization (FGD), aimed at dealing with sulphur dioxide (SO2), is included in these norms.

 

Timelines

The timelines specified for FGD installation is December 31, 2024 for thermal power units in Category A; December 31, 2025 for Category B and December 31, 2026 for Category C. (See endnote). Thermal units that are exempted from FGD compliance will need to retire by December 31, 2027.

 

Compensation

For units that fail to comply with FGD norms by their stipulated deadline will be required to pay “environment compensation” that varies from Rs.0.20 per kwh to Rs.0.40 per kwh, for electricity generated, depending on the non-compliance period beyond the stipulated deadline.

 

Leading states

In terms of FGD installations, Uttar Pradesh leads with 10 units aggregating 4,300 MW, representing a share of around 20 per cent in the total FGD installations, with respect to capacity. Maharashtra has also commissioned FGDs at 10 thermal power plants with aggregate capacity 3,770 MW. In Madhya Pradesh, FGD retrofitting has been achieved for a total capacity of 3,570 MW, spread over six units.

 

Note: Category A: Thermal power plants located within 10 km radius of National Capital Region or in cities having population of over 1 million. Category B: Located within 10 km radius of critically populated areas. Category C: All plants not included in Category A or Category B.

 

Featured photograph (source: GE Power India) is for representation only