The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released an advisory to thermal power plant (TPP) operators regarding the selection of Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) technology. This advisory aims to ensure compliance with stringent environmental norms while considering techno-economic viability. The advisory was issued on February 18, 2025.
The advisory provides an overview of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) regulations on emissions and water consumption, and offers guidance on choosing appropriate FGD technologies.
Key Points of the Advisory
The advisory highlights the MoEF&CC notifications of 2015 and subsequent amendments, which introduced stricter emission standards for SO2, NOx, and Mercury, as well as water consumption limits for TPPs.
It also includes information regarding stack height regulations after FGD installation.
Technology Selection Factors
The CEA has emphasized that various FGD technologies are available, and the selection should be based on factors such as:
- SO2 removal efficiency
- Unit size
- Balance plant life
- Geographical location
- Secondary pollution (SPM, CO2)
- Byproduct handling/sale
- Water consumption
Techno-Economic Feasibility
TPP operators are advised to conduct their own techno-economic feasibility studies and “Life Cycle Cost Based Analysis” before finalizing an FGD technology.
This analysis should consider parameters such as plant load factor (PLF), required FGD efficiency, CAPEX & OPEX, byproduct handling, and water consumption.
Geographical Considerations
The geographical location of the plant, such as coastal proximity or reagent availability, is a critical factor in technology selection.
Plant-Specific Requirements
The advisory also stresses that each plant has specific requirements that must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, including:
- Coal quality and sulfur content
- Unit size and number of units
- Space availability
- Reagent availability and purity
- Byproduct disposal/sale
- Auxiliary power consumption
- Tariff impact.
Environmental Friendliness
Additionally, the advisory also mentions that while finalizing the technology for FGD implementation, environmental friendliness such as direct and indirect GHG emissions and water consumption etc., may also be considered.
