Thermal plants emit 240x more pollution than stubble burning: CREA

On November 18, 2024, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 481, placing several areas in the ‘severe’ category, with Aya Nagar (AQI 492) and Bawana (AQI 495) recording the worst air quality. Amid smog-filled mornings, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reported that coal-fired thermal power plants are a year-round source of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, significantly contributing to the city’s pollution crisis.

Thermal plants pollute 240x more than stubble burning

The CREA report compares stubble burning and coal-fired plants’ contributions to air pollution. While stubble burning is often blamed for seasonal pollution spikes, the report emphasizes that thermal power plants emit SO₂ levels 240 times greater than stubble burning, making them a constant and overlooked source of pollution. According to the report, stubble burning is responsible for 17.8 kilotonnes of SO₂ emissions annually, while thermal power plants are responsible for over 240 times that amount, with emissions surpassing 4,327 kilotonnes in 2023.

Coal-reliant thermal power plants emit SO₂—a PM2.5 precursor—that worsens respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. These pollutants contribute to acid rain, damaging ecosystems. The report calls for stronger regulatory action, as despite the health and environmental risks, there’s regulatory leniency in enforcing flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) systems, which can cut SO₂ emissions by 64%.

Thermal plants majorly worsen air quality

In response to Delhi's worsening air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes halting construction and demolition activities to curb dust pollution. However, experts argue that focusing solely on seasonal issues like stubble burning or temporary construction bans is insufficient for long-term air quality improvement.

The CREA report highlights the urgent need to tackle emissions from coal-powered thermal plants, a year-round pollution source. India remains the world’s largest emitter of SO₂, contributing over 20% of global anthropogenic SO₂ emissions. In 2023, India’s thermal power plants emitted 6,807 kilotonnes of SO₂, surpassing Turkey and Indonesia.

The think tank highlights FGD technology’s potential to drastically reduce SO₂ emissions. CREA’s analysis suggests full adoption of FGD systems could lower India’s SO₂ emissions from 4,327 kilotonnes to about 1,547 kilotonnes annually, improving air quality in coal-dependent regions like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

In Maharashtra, SO₂ emissions could decrease by 71% from 542 to 158 kilotonnes. Madhya Pradesh could see a 67% reduction, and Uttar Pradesh a 58% reduction. These reductions are essential for improving air quality in India’s most polluted regions.

FGD adoption slow, stricter regulations needed

Despite the benefits of FGD systems, the report states that only 8% of India’s thermal power plants have fully implemented them, despite the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introducing emission standards for thermal plants in 2015. The slow adoption and proposals to delay further implementation are putting public health and the environment at risk.

Experts argue that stricter regulations are needed for the full implementation of FGD systems nationwide. Without enforceable deadlines, binding timelines, and stronger penalties, India risks falling short in its air pollution combat efforts.

“The figures show the necessity of FGD technology, but without firm timelines and enforcement, we’re only scratching the surface of cleaner air in India,” said Manoj Kumar, an analyst at CREA. The think tank advocates for stricter regulations, enforceable deadlines for FGD system installation, transparency in implementation, and penalties for delays.

Looking ahead

Delhi’s smog highlights India’s air pollution crisis, but CREA’s findings offer a roadmap for mitigating air pollution impacts. Experts believe holding thermal power plants accountable and fully implementing emission standards can significantly improve air quality and protect public health.

As Delhi faces a pollution crisis, experts urge policymakers to look beyond short-term measures like penalizing stubble burning or restricting construction. They emphasize that tackling thermal power plant emissions is crucial for long-term air quality improvements, and without a comprehensive approach, India’s air pollution problem will worsen.

“The time has come to hold thermal power plants accountable,” said a CREA spokesperson. “If India is serious about tackling air pollution, it must enforce strict compliance with environmental norms for coal-fired power plants.”

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