EAC backs FGD exemptions for two thermal power plants

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Thermal Power projects has recommended exemptions from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) installation for two thermal power plants, while deferring similar requests from two others due to environmental compliance issues.  

The reviews were conducted under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s July 2025 notification, which permits reassessment of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission standards for Category-B thermal power plants.

Projects granted exemption

The EAC recommended an exemption for Dhariwal Infrastructure Limited’s 2×300 MW thermal power plant in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, which has been operational since 2014.

The committee noted that the plant uses domestic coal with sulphur content below 0.5% and operates with a 275-metre stack. Based on the assessment, predicted SO₂ ground level concentrations were found to be within national standards.

The exemption is subject to several environmental measures. These include installation of smart controllers for electrostatic precipitator (ESP) tuning, wet fog dust suppression systems, a 1 MW solar system, and phased replacement of diesel-powered internal vehicles by 2029. The company has also been directed to increase greenbelt coverage from 33% to 40.53% of the project area.

The EAC also recommended an exemption for Moxie Power Generation Limited’s 2×600 MW thermal power plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The committee observed that the plant uses imported and domestic coal with sulphur content ranging from 0.28% to 0.45% and operates with a 275-metre stack.

Additional conditions imposed on the project include plantation of 50,000 saplings in nearby villages, conversion of all passenger vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) within two years, transition of 20% of coal transportation trucks to EV or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles within three years, installation of a 1 MW solar system, and establishment of an additional continuous ambient air quality monitoring station.

NTPC proposal deferred

The EAC deferred NTPC Limited’s request for exemption for the 2×195 MW Muzaffarpur Thermal Power Station at Kanti, Bihar.

The committee observed that the existing greenbelt covers only 28.25 hectares, equivalent to 5.6% of the project area, which is significantly below the mandatory 33% requirement. NTPC has been directed to increase green cover to at least 15% of the project area and submit a time-bound implementation plan.

The EAC also sought revised air quality dispersion modelling and additional information after noting a predicted incremental SO₂ ground level concentration of 37.7 micrograms per cubic metre and elevated PM10 levels in the nearby Kanti township.

MAHAGENCO proposal deferred

The exemption proposal submitted by Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) for the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, comprising 2×210 MW and 5×500 MW units, was also deferred.

The committee noted that the stack height for Units 5 and 6 (2×500 MW) is 200 metres, which does not comply with the August 1990 notification. MAHAGENCO has been asked to submit a detailed action plan for SO₂ pollution control for these units.

The EAC also highlighted discrepancies in land breakup records and noted the absence of performance guarantee test reports for the existing ESP systems.

The featured photograph is for representation only.