Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on major issues like conventional energy generation (2020) and coal-fired thermal plants (2014).

In August 2022, India updated its climate plan to the UNFCCC, promising to follow a cleaner, environmentally friendly path for growth. The country aims to cut emissions per unit of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It also plans to get 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030, while keeping thermal power at 50% of the energy mix.

Today’s editorial addresses issues related to thermal power plants. This topic will be useful for GS Paper 2 and 3 in the Mains exam.

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

States that produce thermal power should be fairly compensated for handling the pollution caused while generating electricity for other states.

What is the extent of the pollution burden caused by thermal power plants in certain states?

• High Concentration of Polluting Power Plants: States like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh are home to a large share of India’s thermal power plants, contributing significantly to the country’s carbon emissions. These states face disproportionate pollution as they generate much of the power consumed across India but do not benefit equally in terms of electricity consumption.
  • For example, Chhattisgarh produces large amounts of electricity from thermal plants, but its per capita electricity consumption remains much lower than that of economically better-off states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• Disproportionate Emissions and Air Pollution: Thermal power generation is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM), contributing heavily to air pollution. States like Chhattisgarh and Odisha, with a high density of coal-based plants, suffer from severe air quality deterioration, leading to health hazards like respiratory diseases.
• Externalities from Power Exporting States: States such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha are significant net exporters of electricity. Despite being the source of much of India’s thermal power, these states bear the brunt of the pollution without receiving adequate compensation or benefits. Chhattisgarh was the highest net exporter of electricity in 2022-23, yet it continues to face the negative environmental impacts without direct benefits.
• Impact on Local Health and Environment: The local populations near thermal power plants suffer from air pollution-induced health issues like COPD, asthma, and lung cancer. Additionally, the local environment is negatively impacted due to thermal pollution and the disposal of coal ash.
  • In Bihar, which generates most of its electricity from thermal plants, residents face health risks due to pollutants emitted by nearby plants, such as NTPC‘s plants.
• Water and Soil Contamination: Thermal power plants contribute to thermal pollution in water bodies, affecting aquatic life, and displace harmful chemicals into soil, which degrades agriculture. In coal-rich states like Odisha and Jharkhand, this leads to long-term environmental damage.
  • For instance, the coal ash from thermal plants in Odisha has been found to pollute the soil, reducing agricultural productivity and harming local ecosystems.

What are the environmental and health impacts of this pollution on local populations?

• Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: The emission of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from thermal power plants significantly degrades air quality. This leads to an increase in respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
  • For example, in Chhattisgarh, where thermal plants are concentrated, residents face high rates of respiratory illnesses due to prolonged exposure to air pollution from coal-fired power plants.
• Water and Soil Contamination: The disposal of toxic coal ash and wastewater from thermal power plants pollutes local water bodies and soil, leading to contamination of drinking water sources and agricultural land. This can cause long-term harm to both human health and local ecosystems.
  • In Odisha, coal ash from thermal plants has been found to seep into nearby rivers and groundwater, impacting drinking water quality and agricultural productivity.
• Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: The carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted by thermal power plants contributes to global warming, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts. These events directly affect public health by increasing mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
  • For example, states like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha face heightened vulnerability to heatwaves and flooding, worsened by the cumulative impact of pollution from nearby thermal power plants.

What steps can be taken to mitigate the pollution caused by thermal power plants? (Way forward)

• Adoption of Cleaner Technologies: Implementing advanced technologies such as Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD), Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) can significantly reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). These technologies capture pollutants before they are released into the atmosphere, improving air quality.
• Switching to Cleaner Fuels and Renewable Energy Sources: Gradually transitioning from coal to cleaner energy sources like natural gas, biomass, or renewable energy (solar, wind, and hydro) can help reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants.
  • The Solar power initiatives in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, which have vast renewable energy capacities, can be expanded to replace coal-based power generation, reducing reliance on thermal plants.
• Improved Waste Management and Pollution Control Regulations: Establishing strict regulations for the management of coal ash and waste from thermal plants can help prevent contamination of water bodies and soil. The use of ash for brick-making and cement production, or proper disposal in landfills, can mitigate environmental hazards.

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