core sector communique

Use of FGD Technology in Power Plants

Central Electricity Authority (CEA) have informed that presently Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) process has been installed in only three coal based Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) namely; (i) Tata Power, Trombay, (ii) Dahanu Thermal Power Station (Maharashtra) and (iii) Udipi Thermal Power Station (Karnataka) in the Country. Further, the installation of FGD is in process in JSW Ratnagiri, NTPC Bongaigaon, NTPC Vindhyachal stage-V, and Adani Power Mundra Ph-III TPP. FGD technology is normally not being used in the Indian thermal power stations as the Indian coal used in the thermal power stations has low sulphur content of the order of 0.3% to 0.5% and SOx control is being achieved through dispersion from tall stacks provided as per the Regulations prescribed by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOE&F). In coal based units of 500 MW and above and also at stations with capacity of 1500 to 2000 MW, space provisions are required to be kept for installation of FGD if required in future. In sensitive areas, the installation of FGD Plants may be insisted upon by MOE&F. All thermal power stations are required to obtain Environmental Clearance and comply with the conditions of Environmental Clearance and various environmental standards/Regulations prescribed by the MOE&F. The environmental clearance is granted after detail Environment Impact Analysis (EIA) studies duly considering existing/background environmental situations, environmental impact of the project etc.