Punjab's Coal Power Plants Emit 10x More Than Stubble Burning: CREA

Despite proven benefits of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) in reducing sulfur dioxide (SO₂), PM2.5, and mercury emissions, and producing reusable gypsum for the cement industry, a majority of Punjab's coal-fired power units have been exempted from installing this critical pollution control technology.

- TDG NETWORK

Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has raised concern over the same, stating that all 15 thermal power units in the state fall under exempted category, which would hence add to the alarming pollution levels in the state.

Manoj Kumar, Analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, said, "Power plants are among the largest contributors to SO₂, secondary PM2.5 and mercury pollution. Exempting emission norms poses serious threats to public health, hampers progress toward NCAP goals, and limits the opportunity for industrial reuse through FGD gypsum."

India is the world's largest emitter of SO₂, contributing nearly 20% of global anthropogenic SO₂ emissions. Coal-fired power plants account for 60% of India's SO