NITI Aayog urges power plants to halt sulphur reduction equipment installation
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

NITI Aayog urges power plants to halt sulphur reduction equipment installation

India's top policy think tank has proposed suspending the installation of equipment designed to reduce sulfur emissions at coal-fired power plants, according to a document reviewed by Reuters. This proposal has reignited discussions about the country's commitment to improving air quality.

Air pollution levels in India rank among the highest globally, posing significant threats to public health and the economy. In response to this crisis, the government mandated coal-fired power stations to adhere to stricter emissions regulations or face potential closure, initially setting a 2017 deadline for the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units. However, this deadline has since been extended to 2026.

The document indicated that NITI Aayog recommended that the federal environment and power ministries instruct coal-based power plants to cease placing new orders for desulfurization equipment. Should this proposal be implemented, it could halt tenders worth 960 billion rupees (approximately $11.42 billion) for sulphur-reducing equipment across 80,000 megawatts of coal-fired capacity.

Environmental advocates support stringent emissions reduction regulations for coal-fired power stations, noting that these facilities are responsible for around 80% of industrial sulphur and nitrous oxide emissions in India, which contribute to lung diseases and acid rain.

The document from NITI Aayog references a government study claiming that the data does not indicate that sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from India's coal-based power plants are negatively affecting air quality. This assertion contradicts the conclusions of several studies conducted by international organizations and advocacy groups.

A 2019 report from Greenpeace identified India as the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide (SO2) worldwide, primarily due to emissions from coal-fired power plants.

India's top policy think tank has proposed suspending the installation of equipment designed to reduce sulfur emissions at coal-fired power plants, according to a document reviewed by Reuters. This proposal has reignited discussions about the country's commitment to improving air quality. Air pollution levels in India rank among the highest globally, posing significant threats to public health and the economy. In response to this crisis, the government mandated coal-fired power stations to adhere to stricter emissions regulations or face potential closure, initially setting a 2017 deadline for the installation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units. However, this deadline has since been extended to 2026. The document indicated that NITI Aayog recommended that the federal environment and power ministries instruct coal-based power plants to cease placing new orders for desulfurization equipment. Should this proposal be implemented, it could halt tenders worth 960 billion rupees (approximately $11.42 billion) for sulphur-reducing equipment across 80,000 megawatts of coal-fired capacity. Environmental advocates support stringent emissions reduction regulations for coal-fired power stations, noting that these facilities are responsible for around 80% of industrial sulphur and nitrous oxide emissions in India, which contribute to lung diseases and acid rain. The document from NITI Aayog references a government study claiming that the data does not indicate that sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from India's coal-based power plants are negatively affecting air quality. This assertion contradicts the conclusions of several studies conducted by international organizations and advocacy groups. A 2019 report from Greenpeace identified India as the largest emitter of sulphur dioxide (SO2) worldwide, primarily due to emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Larsen & Toubro Secures Contract from Defence Ministry

The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has awarded a significant contract to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for supplying K9 Vajra-T Artillery Platforms to the Indian Army. As per the company's project classification, the contract is valued between Rs 50 billion and Rs 100 billion. The K9 Vajra-T, a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled artillery platform, is an adaptation of the globally renowned South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer. It has been co-developed by L&T and Hanwha Aerospace to meet the Indian Army's specific operational needs across diverse terrains, including deserts, plains, and..

Next Story
Real Estate

Delhi-NCR Housing Market sees 25% Sales Growth

The Delhi-NCR property market has maintained its momentum during the December quarter, with housing sales and new supply estimated to grow by 25 per cent and 59 per cent, respectively, as reported by PropEquity. Data from the real estate analytics firm suggests that housing sales in Delhi-NCR are likely to rise to 12,915 units during the October-December period of this year, compared to 10,354 units in the corresponding period of the previous year. New supply in the region is expected to increase significantly, reaching 11,223 units, a 59 per cent rise from 7,072 units in the year-ago quarter..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DDC Approves Five Key Projects Under Kasaragod Development Package

The District Development Committee (DDC) has approved a budget of Rs 100.08 million for five key projects under the Kasaragod Development Package. This funding is part of the Rs 700 million allocated in the State budget for the 2024-25 financial year, with administrative approval formally amended to incorporate these initiatives. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by District Collector K. Inbasekar on Saturday, December 21. The approved projects include Rs 40.99 million for constructing Udayapuram Thungal Road in Kottom Belur grama panchayat and Rs 20.56 million for setting up a ..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000