India’s battle with air pollution is no secret, with the World Air Quality Report 2023 by IQAir highlighting the country as the third most polluted globally, showing an annual PM 2.5 concentration of 54.4 µg/m³.
Among the various reasons behind this alarming statistic, diesel gensets stand out. According to the National Clean Air Programme 2019, these generators contribute significantly to urban smog, accounting for 7 to 18 percent of pollution. The environmental burden worsens as these machines age, with older models emitting up to 11 times more pollutants than their newer counterparts.
Historically, regulatory oversight on diesel gensets in India has been minimal. Only large units over 800 kW were subject to stringent checks, leaving a substantial number of smaller generators virtually unmonitored post-installation. While initial lab tests for emissions were mandatory, ongoing emissions from the vast array of operational generators remained unchecked, creating a significant regulatory blind spot.
Recognizing this oversight, authorities are now cracking down on diesel-only generators. This move aims to close the regulatory gaps and mitigate the environmental impact of these machines, ushering in a new era of stricter environmental control and accountability.
Indian Government's Clean Air Strategy
To tackle the issue of pollution, the Government of India introduced a comprehensive plan through its 2019 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). This plan mandates all industries and commercial facilities to retrofit existing diesel generator (DG) sets with a dual fuel kit, enabling them to operate on partial gas, or to install emission control devices (RECDs) to significantly reduce particulate emissions. Furthermore, new diesel gensets are now required to meet stricter emission standards right from the manufacturing stage.
From 2020, several state pollution control boards, such as those in Haryana and Tamil Nadu began implementing the NCAP directives. However, progress was initially slow due to the developing natural gas infrastructure and the lack of an established Type Approval process for RECDs by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The real turning point came in early 2022. The expansion of natural gas pipelines and the CPCB’s approval of the Type Approval process for RECDs spurred other states into action. Pollution Control Boards in Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha quickly issued similar mandates. In Delhi NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) went a step further by completely banning the use of DG sets unless they were equipped with dual fuel kits or RECDs.
To ensure compliance, the CAQM established a robust Enforcement Task Force (ETF) comprising 40 flying squads. These teams conducted over 10,000 surprise inspections across industrial and commercial units in NCR during 2022-23, issuing closure notices to hundreds of facilities for non-compliance with air pollution norms.
In February 2024, the CAQM intensified its efforts by releasing a directive titled “Standard Schedule for Environmental Compensation (EC) Charges in Closure Directions.” This imposed hefty fines on non-compliant DG sets, with penalties reaching up to Rs. 25,000 per DG for each day of violation.
States such as Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala initially lagged in enforcement due to limited natural gas access and certified RECDs. However, as gas infrastructure expanded and more OEMs began offering certified RECDs, enforcement activities in these states increased. In Maharashtra and Karnataka, where compliance deadlines have already passed, state pollution control boards are expected to adopt stringent enforcement measures similar to those in NCR.
Final Thoughts: Making the Case for Dual Fuel Kits
In the battle for cleaner air, the Indian government’s stringent measures against diesel gensets’ emissions represent a pivotal shift. The increasing enforcement of these new regulations provides industries with a clear path toward greener operations. This transition is not only necessary for a cleaner planet but also beneficial for a healthier bottom line.
Despite the urgency, businesses have been slow to adopt dual fuel kits and RECDs, primarily due to the upfront investment and lack of awareness about the potential ROI. Fortunately, costs have decreased since 2020 as adoption has risen, allowing OEMs to lower input costs. Facilities aiming to lower their GHG emissions can view the conversion of their DG sets to dual fuel as a viable emissions abatement project with a promising ROI.
Experience the GasTech Advantage
GasTech’s dual fuel kits, in particular, offer a compelling proposition for businesses, blending cost-efficiency with environmental responsibility. They redefine diesel engine operations by enabling the simultaneous combustion of diesel and methane-rich gas, such as natural gas. Specifically designed for high-speed diesel engines, our innovative system offers retrofit solutions with special kits that seamlessly integrate the two fuels. This means fuel flexibility, consistent engine performance, diverse fuel compatibility, and better operational efficiency.
By allowing older generators to run on a mix of natural gas/LPG and diesel, these kits can reduce operating costs by nearly 30%. Additionally, they not only cut particulate matter (PM) emissions but also reduce other greenhouse gases (GHG) like NOx, SOx, and CO.
Our dual fuel kits offer numerous benefits, including the ability to maintain power levels, achieve lower emissions through cleaner fuel usage, integrate with existing assets, incur minimal maintenance costs, provide low capital costs, ensure rapid payback, reduce generation costs, and enhance engine condition monitoring.
Ready to revolutionise your diesel engine operations and achieve a greener, cost-effective solution? Connect with us today to learn more and get a quote.
