Coal-Based Power Norms

May 20, 2020

In 2015, India introduced new emission standards and water use norms for the coal-based thermal power sector. All plants were required to meet the norms by December 2017. However, the industry began a sustained campaign to first obstruct and prevaricate, and then to dilute and delay the implementation of the norms.

The year 2022 has now been agreed to as the new deadline for implementation. When implemented, the norms can lead to a significant reduction in emissions and dip in water use by the sector. This report attempts to assess objectively whether the industry is positioned and ready to meet the norms within this deadline — and comes up with some disturbing statistics.