India Relaxes FGD Norms for Thermal Power Plants
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

India Relaxes FGD Norms for Thermal Power Plants

In a major policy shift, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has eased the blanket requirement for flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems across India’s coal-fired thermal power plants. The new guidelines adopt a location-based approach, focusing on plant proximity to urban areas, local air quality, and coal sulphur content, rather than imposing uniform compliance.
Under the revised framework, only thermal power units within 10 kilometres of cities with populations exceeding one million must install FGDs. Plants located in critically polluted zones or non-attainment cities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This change effectively exempts around 79 per cent of India’s installed coal-based power capacity from mandatory FGD installation.
The decision follows an extensive review involving IIT Delhi, CSIR-NEERI, and NIAS. Their studies revealed that ambient sulphur dioxide (SO₂) levels in most of India range between 3–20 µg/m³—well below the 80 µg/m³ limit prescribed under National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Additionally, Indian coal typically contains less than 0.5 per cent sulphur, and tall stacks coupled with favourable meteorological conditions aid pollutant dispersion.
The ministry also cited the high cost and carbon footprint of a universal FGD rollout. The earlier policy was estimated to cost over Rs 2.5 trillion (Rs 2.5 lakh crore), translating to Rs 120 million (Rs 1.2 crore) per MW, while potentially adding 69 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions due to limestone mining, transport, and extra energy consumption between 2025 and 2030.
Electricity costs are expected to fall by 25–30 paise per unit as a result of the relaxed norms, providing relief to both consumers and state discoms.
"This is not a rollback but a recalibration," said a senior ministry official. “It’s about smarter, evidence-driven governance, tailored to India’s specific environmental conditions.”
Industry stakeholders have broadly welcomed the move. A senior executive from a public sector utility described it as “a science-based, economically rational decision that balances sustainability with affordability.”
The ministry reiterated its commitment to environmental protection through more focused regulation. An affidavit detailing the findings and revised policy will be submitted to the Supreme Court in the ongoing MC Mehta vs Union of India case, where FGD timelines have been under judicial scrutiny.

In a major policy shift, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has eased the blanket requirement for flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems across India’s coal-fired thermal power plants. The new guidelines adopt a location-based approach, focusing on plant proximity to urban areas, local air quality, and coal sulphur content, rather than imposing uniform compliance.Under the revised framework, only thermal power units within 10 kilometres of cities with populations exceeding one million must install FGDs. Plants located in critically polluted zones or non-attainment cities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This change effectively exempts around 79 per cent of India’s installed coal-based power capacity from mandatory FGD installation.The decision follows an extensive review involving IIT Delhi, CSIR-NEERI, and NIAS. Their studies revealed that ambient sulphur dioxide (SO₂) levels in most of India range between 3–20 µg/m³—well below the 80 µg/m³ limit prescribed under National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Additionally, Indian coal typically contains less than 0.5 per cent sulphur, and tall stacks coupled with favourable meteorological conditions aid pollutant dispersion.The ministry also cited the high cost and carbon footprint of a universal FGD rollout. The earlier policy was estimated to cost over Rs 2.5 trillion (Rs 2.5 lakh crore), translating to Rs 120 million (Rs 1.2 crore) per MW, while potentially adding 69 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions due to limestone mining, transport, and extra energy consumption between 2025 and 2030.Electricity costs are expected to fall by 25–30 paise per unit as a result of the relaxed norms, providing relief to both consumers and state discoms.This is not a rollback but a recalibration, said a senior ministry official. “It’s about smarter, evidence-driven governance, tailored to India’s specific environmental conditions.”Industry stakeholders have broadly welcomed the move. A senior executive from a public sector utility described it as “a science-based, economically rational decision that balances sustainability with affordability.”The ministry reiterated its commitment to environmental protection through more focused regulation. An affidavit detailing the findings and revised policy will be submitted to the Supreme Court in the ongoing MC Mehta vs Union of India case, where FGD timelines have been under judicial scrutiny.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

Next Story
Resources

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?