Reportedly, the power ministry has recommended implementation of emission control equipment in select power plants to observe the benefits before rolling out the estimated Rs 2 trillion investment in all projects that could raise electricity tariffs.
Based on a study by IIT Delhi and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the ministry has asserted the implementation of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment raises carbon dioxide emission. It has, therefore, been suggested that in the first phase only 4,430 MW thermal stations in sensitive zones should be retrofited. IIT Delhi has recommended a graded action plan for implementation of FGDs for accommodating better sulphur emission reduction technologies without extra emission of carbon dioxide. IIT Delhi has recommended the implementation of Phase-1 from now till July 2025, the second phase from July 2026 till July 2029, and the third from July 2029 to July 2031. The fourth and fifth phases can be implemented between July 2031 and July 2034.