Air pollution, environmental regulation and the Indian electricity sector

Abstract

Coal-fired power plants are a significant source of air pollution causing premature deaths in India, where coal is anticipated to remain the primary energy source even after 2030. Particulate matter (PM) emissions per kWh are higher in India than in the US, contributing 20% to national air pollution-related deaths. A new environmental regulation requiring flue-gas desulfurization units will impose major changes in emissions; however, the cost per life saved varies significantly between plants. A coal tax implemented in 2016 to shift the energy mix towards less polluting sources may not be sufficient. – AI-generated abstract.