India is reassessing a $30 billion initiative mandating coal-fired power plants to install flue-gas desulphurization (FGD) systems after studies indicated minimal impact on pollution reduction, Reuters reports.

Launched a decade ago, the program requires nearly 540 power plant units to adopt FGD systems by 2026, but only 8% have complied so far, including facilities run by NTPC and JSW Power.

High costs and reliance on foreign technology were cited as hurdles, prompting government officials to propose using locally made electrostatic precipitators, which are significantly cheaper.

A Nov. 13 meeting led by Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood suggested focusing on reducing particulate matter emissions, deemed more critical due to India’s urban pollution and the low sulfur content of its coal.

Experts highlighted that tall stacks and climatic conditions help disperse sulfur dioxide effectively, making the particulate matter a greater concern for health and air quality.