The impact of electricity transfer on the distribution of pollution loads: An Indian case study
Titel:
The impact of electricity transfer on the distribution of pollution loads: An Indian case study
Auteur:
Relhan, Nemika Panwar, T. S.
Verschenen in:
Journal of integrative environmental sciences
Paginering:
Jaargang 5 (2008) nr. 3 pagina's 173-189
Jaar:
2008-09
Inhoud:
The interconnection of electricity grids, establishment of central sector power plants and construction of coal-based power plants at pitheads have resulted in greater power transfer from one region to another in India. This enhanced power transfer can result in distributional implications in terms of pollution loads between communities located in generation vis-a-vis consumption regions, especially in the case of coal-based power plants. This paper assesses the impact of electricity transfer on the spatial distribution of pollution loads in India. A three step methodology is adopted: a) identification of electricity importing regions, b) development of emission inventory from coal-based power plants and, c) estimation of additional pollution loads due to power transfer. Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh emerged as the top five electricity-exporting states having significant coal-based generation. On the other hand, Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab are the top five electricity-importing states. It has been estimated that in 2002-2003, the additional pollution loads of suspended particulate matter (SPM) SO2 and NOx in the top five exporting states were 47,112, 332,379 and 294,453 tonnes respectively due to electricity generated for export. Besides, certain pockets in the exporting regions are highly polluted. Therefore, it will be argued, there is an essential need to assess the environmental degradation in these areas as well as to formulate appropriate policies to remove the environmental inequity by protecting the right to clean air of the people in the power generating regions.
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