Power struggle: Is it possible for India to transition to cleaner energy options? | Discussion in Energynomics podcast featuring Richa Mishra | Episode 1
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In a recent episode of "Energonomics with Richa Mishra", experts discussed the role of Flue Gas Desulfurizers (FGDs) in India's energy sector and its transition from coal.
FGDs, which are effective at reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and related particulate pollution, are not mandatory for about 78-79% of India's coal-based thermal power plants due to recent government exemptions. This has raised concerns as experts argue that FGDs significantly reduce SO2, which reacts in the atmosphere to form a large portion of India's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, detrimental to human health.
The exemption of FGDs risks worsening air quality, especially given India is the world's largest emitter of SO2, primarily from coal-fired power plants. SO2 control is central to reducing PM2.5, explaining the focus on FGDs over direct particulate matter norms.
However, the discussion also revealed that the focus on sulfur might not be entirely justified. Professor R Srikanth, Dean at the School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, NIAS, challenged the dominant pollution narrative, suggesting that low-sulphur, high-ash coal is being misconstrued.
In contrast to FGDs, nuclear energy offers a low-carbon alternative to coal-based generation. Increasing nuclear capacity can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from thermal plants. Nuclear energy, with its near-zero SO2 or particulate emissions and lower water footprint compared to coal plants with FGDs, plays a crucial role in decarbonization and mitigating water use issues associated with coal power.
The conversation provided a platform for policy analysis alongside science and ground data, exploring the potential role of nuclear energy in India's transition from coal. The discussion, published on August 3, 2025, also highlighted the lack of focus on particulate matter in the current emissions norms, which underprioritizes PM pollution by relaxing FGD installation requirements.
In conclusion, while FGDs are being questioned due to their potential negative effects on climate and water use, their environmental benefit in controlling SO2 and mercury emissions outweighs those concerns. However, the relaxation of FGD installation requirements raises concerns over air quality and public health in India. On the other hand, nuclear energy, with its low-carbon and low-emission profile, offers a promising solution for India's energy transition, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and water use associated with thermal power plants.
- The experts' discussion on "Energonomics with Richa Mishra" revealed that the focus on sulfur might not be entirely justified, as Professor R Srikanth, Dean at the School of Natural Sciences and Engineering, NIAS, challenged the dominant pollution narrative.
- Nuclear energy, unlike low-sulphur, high-ash coal, offers a low-carbon alternative to coal-based generation, playing a crucial role in decarbonization and mitigating water use issues associated with coal power.
- The exemption of Flue Gas Desulfurizers (FGDs) risks worsening air quality, especially given India's position as the world's largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2), primarily from coal-fired power plants.
- The discussion on FGDs in India's energy sector also highlighted the lack of focus on particulate matter in the current emissions norms, under prioritizing PM pollution by relaxing FGD installation requirements.
- By increasing nuclear capacity, India can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from thermal plants, offering a promising solution for its energy transition.
- Despite concerns about FGDs' potential negative effects on climate and water use, their environmental benefit in controlling SO2 and mercury emissions outweighs those concerns.
