Water-Inefficient Power: Implementing Water Norms and Zero Discharge in India’s Coal-Power Fleet
Water-Inefficient Power: Implementing Water Norms and Zero Discharge in India’s Coal-Power Fleet
This report reveals the current status of compliance of India's coal-power fleet with respect to implementation of 2015 water norms. It highlights how the water-guzzling coal-power industry is ignoring water regulations with high non-compliance observed in the sector even after six years since the norms were introduced. The report also critically analyses the authenticity of the specific water consumption data that is self-reported by power plants to regulatory authorities. It also discusses the various zero discharge schemes and their applications in coal-based plants and the way forward to expedite compliance with the 2015 norms along-with better accounting of water consumption data reported by plants.