Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) Latest News

Recently, the Environment Ministry has exempted most coal-fired plants in India from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems aimed at reducing sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

About Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)

• Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a pollution-control process that removes Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) from the flue gases produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, especially coal.
• The key aim of FGD is to reduce SO₂ emissions, which are major contributors to acid rain and particulate matter pollution, harming crops, soil, water bodies, infrastructure, and human health.
• FGD systems typically use limestone (CaCO₃), lime (CaO), or ammonia (NH₃) to react with and neutralize SO₂ in flue gases.

FGD Technology Types

• Dry Sorbent Injection (DSI): Injects limestone or lime into the flue gas before it passes through dust collectors.
• Wet Limestone Scrubbing: Uses a slurry of limestone (CaCO₃) to absorb SO₂ and convert it into gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O).
• Seawater FGD: Uses the alkalinity of seawater to neutralise SO₂, common in coastal plants, with low installation costs but limited applicability.

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Recent Policy Changes and Issues

• In 2015, India’s Environment Ministry mandated that all coal-fired thermal power plants must install FGD systems by 2017 to curb SO₂ pollution. There are about 180 such plants, comprising 600 individual units.
• This exemption decision was based on scientific studies suggesting:
  • Indian coal has low sulphur content.
  • SO₂ levels near plants with and without FGDs were similar.
  • Sulphates may have a cooling effect, counteracting global warming.
• As of now, only ~8% of these units have installed FGDs, with most installations by NTPC (public sector). The rest failed due to vendor shortages, high costs, COVID-related delays, and an anticipated rise in power tariffs.

Source: TH