Challenge EWE 34
Renewable Energy for Electrification and Climate Change in India

Coal based power plants constituted the majority of the power generated in India which almost doubled from 148 Gigawatt to 288 Gigawatt during 2008–2015. They majorly contributed to SO₂ (49%), NO_x (34%), PMfine (6.6%) & CO (6%) emissions in India. PM2.5 concentration from power plants was observed to be highest in winter (14.12 μg/m³) and lowest in monsoon (1.99 μg/m³). SIA such as SO₄ (47%–100%) and NO₃ (9%–49%) formed the bulk of PM2.5 emitted from power plants. 

Pollution through these power plants cause an average of 115,000 premature deaths per year and financial loss of about $4.6 billion.