Question : Installation of FGD Units

(a) whether private power producers have been directed by the Government to install Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units to control pollution;

(b) if so, the status of private power producers who are in the process of installation of FGD units with MW capacity;

(c) the details of all the works awarded to various bidders along with the status of civil, mechanical and electrical works for installation of FGD units;

(d) whether it is a fact that the private power producers are avoiding installation of FGD units due to cost implications; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF POWER AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY

(SHRI R.K. SINGH)

(a) to (e) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 409 ANSWERED IN THE LOK SABHA ON 31.03.2022 REGARDING INSTALLATION OF FGD UNITS
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(a) to (e) : Coal based thermal power plants (TPPs) including private Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are required to ensure compliance of the emission norms, including for sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and directions given by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) from time to time. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has laid down the technical specifications for Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment/technology for control of SO2 emissions chosen by the TPPs.

CEA assists CPCB in monitoring the progress of installation of FGD by the TPPs. CEA monitors the efforts being made by TPPs to install FGD equipment. The monitoring is done for all stages of FGD installation, Feasibility Study Started, Feasibility Study Completed, Tender Specifications Made, NIT Issued, Bids Awarded and FGD Commissioned. The present status in respect of IPPs is given in the Annexure.

As per the recent notification dated 31.03.2021 issued by MoEF&CC, the following penalty provisions have been made for TPPs after the deadlines for non-compliance:

Category and Description Timelines for
compliance Environment Compensation (Rs. per unit electricity generated) for non-compliance beyond timelines
0-180
days 180-365 days 366 days & beyond
Category A - Within 10 km radius of
NCR or cities having million plus
population as per 2011 census of India Upto
31.12.2022 0.10 0.15 0.20
Category B - Within 10 km radius of
critically polluted areas or Non-
Attainment cities as defined by CPCB Upto
31.12.2023 0.07 0.10 0.15
Category C-Other than those included in Category A and B Upto
31.12.2024 0.05 0.075 0.10

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