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Government Eases Sulphur Rules: A Strategic Shift in India's Power Sector
INDIA, JUL 13 – The government exempts nearly 79% of thermal power capacity from flue-gas desulphurization, aiming to reduce electricity costs by 25-30 paise per unit, officials said.
- On July 14, 2025, the Indian government relaxed sulphur emission standards by excluding nearly 79% of thermal power plants—mainly those located outside densely populated or critically polluted areas—from the requirement to install flue-gas desulphurisation systems.
- This decision followed scientific studies by IIT Delhi, CSIR-NEERI, NIAS, and CPCB analysis revealing ambient sulphur dioxide levels are well within national standards.
- Only about 11% of thermal units near major cities or polluted areas must install FGDs, while many plants avoided high retrofit costs and possible CO2 increases from installation.
- Officials emphasized that the updated, evidence-driven strategy is designed not as a rollback but as a means to regulate more efficiently and to reduce electricity prices by approximately a quarter to three-tenths of a rupee per unit.
- The move highlights balancing environmental goals, climate concerns, and consumer affordability amid warnings that stricter costs could impair grid stability in peak seasons.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Government Eases Sulphur Rules: A Strategic Shift in India's Power Sector
The Indian government has relaxed sulphur emission rules for coal-fired power plants, exempting 79% of India's thermal power capacity from mandatory FGD installation, focusing compliance based on location. This decision, informed by scientific studies, aims to lower electricity costs and maintain environmental protection effectively.
India’s Eased Pollution Norms Favor Consumers, Power Lobby Says
India’s relaxed norms on sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants will favor consumers, avoiding higher electricity prices due to increased equipment costs, according to the Association of Power Producers.
How India's FGD Shift Will Cut Electricity Cost By 25-30 Paise Per Unit
The government's move to ease sulphur emission rules for most coal-fired power plants strikes a delicate balance between costs, climate and compliance and is expected to cut electricity costs by 25-30 paise per unit, officials said on Sunday.
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