Recently, NITI Aayog questioned the need for installing Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems across India’s thermal power plants. As air pollution remains a growing concern, understanding FGD’s role in reducing emissions becomes crucial for shaping future environmental policies.
What is Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD)?
FGD is a scrubbing technology used to remove sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from the exhaust gases emitted by fossil-fueled or coal-fired power plants. Here's how it works:
Alkaline Reagents: It uses sodium or calcium-based substances to neutralize and scrub out SO₂ from the flue gas.
Flue Gas Composition: Flue gas, also known as exhaust gas or stack gas, contains pollutants like dust, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, released during combustion.
Types of FGD Systems
Different types of FGD techniques are used depending on plant needs and environmental conditions:
Dry Sorbent Injection (DSI): A dry method using powdered reagents.
Wet Limestone-based Scrubbing: Uses a slurry of limestone and water to remove SO₂.
Seawater-based Scrubbing: Employs seawater as the scrubbing agent for coastal power plants.
Regulatory Mandates
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has made FGD installation mandatory for thermal power plants. Additionally, it has established SO₂ emission standards to curb pollution, encouraging power plants to adopt cleaner technologies.
Debate Around FGD in India
While FGD can effectively reduce SO₂ emissions, questions have emerged about its necessity:
Cost Implications: FGDs can be expensive to install and maintain, adding to the operational costs of power plants.
Alternative Solutions: NITI Aayog suggests evaluating whether other measures, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, could achieve similar outcomes more efficiently.
Conclusion
FGD plays an essential role in air pollution control, particularly for coal-dependent economies like India. However, balancing environmental benefits with economic feasibility will be critical in determining the future of FGD technology. As India transitions towards clean energy, it must also consider short-term solutions like FGD to mitigate air pollution.
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