Supreme Court Mandates Joint Emissions Plan for Coal Power Sector

The bench has impleaded the Central Electricity Authority as well as the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, setting a four-week deadline for a detailed emissions reduction affidavit including FGD targets coupled with a decarbonization schedule

Overview

The July 22 order instructs the Ministry of Power to convene a joint meeting with the Central Electricity Authority and the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission to build a cohesive strategy for reducing carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants.
The Supreme Court has impleaded the CEA and CERC as respondents to bridge gaps between regulatory frameworks and on-ground operational challenges in power generation and distribution.
A comprehensive joint affidavit is required within four weeks to outline existing legal regimes, specific measures for FGD system deployment and a phased decarbonization timeline.
The court underscored that coal-based plants account for about 8% of India’s carbon emissions and drive significant PM2.5 pollution in the Delhi-NCR area, with widespread SO₂ standard violations.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for August 19 to review the action plan within the context of India’s broader efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality.