Continuous emission monitoring CEMS

The coal-fired power sector is one of the most polluting sectors in India. Coal-fired power plants contributed 60% of the total particulate matter (PM), 45% of the total sulphur dioxide (SO₂), 30% of the total nitrogen oxides (NOx), and more than 80% of the total mercury emissions from all industrial sectors in the country in 2020. To accurately account for these emissions, a robust monitoring system delivered by continuous emission monitors (CEMs) is required.

The installation of CEMs throughout industrial sectors (such as utility boilers, incinerators, paper production and so on) in India was mandated in 2014 but implementation has been significantly delayed. According to the 2018 guidelines, each source must install CEM systems and then register them through the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) online registration portal and separately to the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) so that they deliver real-time data directly to the regulators.

However, studies published by stakeholders in India since 2020 have identified potential issues with CEM installation, calibration, operation, and maintenance as well as an inadequate knowledge base among stakeholders. Problems with the application of CEMs for compliance monitoring in India are significant and, without fundamental changes in legislation and standardisation within the sector, the situation is unlikely to improve.

Below is an outline of the work carried out to assess the status of CEMs in India. The ICSC has proposed new guidelines on best practices in CEMs in India – more information click the button below

The ICSC report by Sloss and others (2021) presents a review of currently publicly accessible data on CEMs at coal-fired power plants in India. Recommendations are given for improving CEM utilisation and data handling as well as a roadmap for future capacity building among stakeholders. The report can be downloaded here.

As discussed in the ICSC report large utilities in India must now install CEM systems to measure and report emissions in real time. The figures below show the installation rate for CEMs for PM, SO2 and NOx as of December 2021. As of mid-2021 only around 50% of the fleet had CEM systems installed and up to 10% of these units are reporting issues with being able to submit valid data to the relevant regulatory agencies.

Proportion of the Indian coal fleet with CEMs installed for suspended particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)

As discussed in the ICSC report large utilities in India must now install CEM systems to measure and report emissions in real time. The figures below show the installation rate for CEMs for PM, SO2 and NOx as of December 2021. As of mid-2021 only around 50% of the fleet had CEM systems installed and up to 10% of these units are reporting issues with being able to submit valid data to the relevant regulatory agencies.

/download/49120/?tmstv=1688041993Significant challenges remain concerning the calibration and reliability of these systems. Without appropriate training, there is a risk that emission data reporting will be inadequate and not sufficiently reliable to ensure that emission limits are met, and air quality goals are achieved.

Based on the results from our report, the ICSC produced and delivered four regional workshops:

• June 11-14, 2022, Bhubaneswar
• June 18-21, 2022, Bhopal
• November 22-25, 2022, Visakhapatnam
• November 28-30, 2022, New Delhi

in 2022 in New Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and Visakhapatnam. Expert trainers were brought in from the USA and Europe to deliver hands-on training with onsite instruments as well as classroom training on the principles of emission monitoring and reporting for compliance purposes, The workshops comprised:

• The basis of CEM technologies – particulate matter, SO₂ and NOx
• Mercury CEM and alternative measurement strategies
• CEM installation, operation, maintenance, and calibration
• CEM data handling and assessment
• Innovative experiences from State Pollution Control Boards
• Hands-on-experience at a local plant site
• Feedback, experience sharing, group discussions and Q&A.

Each workshop was supported by the regional State Pollution Control Board, ensuring that the training was delivered to both regulators and sources. Over 400 Indian delegates took part in this training and were awarded certificates accordingly.

Materials from these workshops can be downloaded free of charge from here.

The ICSC is continuing to work with stakeholders in India to establish an Indian association to promote best practices in emission monitoring going forward. This initiative has published a document on CEMS: Best practices in India available for download here.