SO2 Emission Deadline Delayed
On December 30, 2024, India extended the deadline for thermal plants to meet SO2 emission norms to December 31, 2027, pushing it back three years.
The original deadline was set for December 31, 2024, as part of stricter emission standards introduced in 2015.
These norms were designed to align with international standards, but the implementation has faced delays and evolving deadlines due to various debates.
Debate Over Emission Norms
Indian coal’s lower sulphur content should have made it easier to meet SO2 norms, but the debate shifted to the high cost of installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology.
Government bodies, including the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), raised concerns about the costs and effectiveness of FGDs, suggesting the focus should instead be on particulate emissions.
A 2022 study argued that SO2 norms might not be crucial for air quality, further complicating the debate on whether such norms are necessary at all.
Deadlines and Financial Impact
Due to repeated deadline extensions, thermal plants now face varying deadlines for different emissions, with SO2 being the last to comply.
Many plants have begun installing FGDs, but not quickly enough to meet earlier deadlines.
The costs of FGD installation are passed on to consumers, even though norms may not be met, leading to consumers paying for unused equipment.
Environmental and Financial Costs
The extended timelines mean poorer air quality for surrounding areas as thermal plants won’t meet SO2 norms for years.
Consumers will pay for pollution control equipment that may not be used, with little to no environmental benefit for years.
Ongoing delays and unclear policies raise concerns about the effectiveness of India’s air pollution control efforts and their long-term costs.
COMMENTS