Showing posts with label Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. Show all posts

Dec 23, 2015

Union Government notifies stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants

Union Government notifies stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants
 
 
 
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has notified the revised standards for coal-based Thermal Power Plants in the country, with the primary aim of minimising pollution.
These standards are proposed to be implemented in a phased manner.
 
Point to note
 
  • These new standards are based on the recommendation of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) after consultations with different stakeholders.
  • For implementation of revised standards Thermal power plants are categorised into 3 categories
      • (i) Installed before 31st December, 2003
      • (ii) Installed after 2003 and up to 31st December, 2016 and
      • (iii) Installed after 31st December, 2016.
  • The new standards are aimed at reducing emission of sulphur dioxide (7.3 Kg/MWh), PM10 (0.98 kg/MWh) and Oxide of nitrogen (4.8 kg/MWh).
  • It would in turn help in bringing about an improvement in the Nation Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) index around and in thermal power plants.
  • The technology employed for controlling of proposed emission limit of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) will also help in reducing mercury emission at about 70-90%.
  • Limiting the use of water in thermal power plant will lead to water conservation (about 1.5 M3/MWh) as thermal power plant is a water-intensive industry. This will also lead to a reduction in energy requirement for drawl of water.