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This study addresses the urgent need to monitor and evaluate industrial pollution and environmental performance in Gujarat, focusing on the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Industrial activities are major contributors to environmental degradation, and mitigating their impact is crucial for sustainable development. This research proposes the adoption of community boilers, which are centralised steam generation systems designed to serve multiple industrial units, as a viable solution to reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency.
The study assesses the environmental and economic impacts of community boilers compared to individual small-scale boilers. Community boilers, particularly Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion (AFBC) and Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion (CFBC) types offer higher thermal efficiency and lower emissions of particulate matter, sulphur oxides (SOX), and nitrogen oxides (NOX). Pilot projects in Gujarat, involving 90 units connected to common boiler facilities, demonstrate significant environmental benefits, including a 20% reduction in coal consumption, 40% reduction in wastewater generation, 80% reduction in fly ash production, 74% reduction in PM and SOX emissions, and 80% reduction in NOX emissions.
The study also highlights substantial economic advantages, such as an 18% saving in space and a 33% reduction in steam production costs. The adoption of community boilers could lead to total annual health cost savings, with individual small boilers incurring 453.89 Crores INR compared to 202.34 Crores INR for community boilers. This represents a significant decrease in costs associated with sulphur and nitrogen emissions.
Overall, the implementation of community boilers can result in a 22% reduction in CO2 emissions for Gujarat, translating to substantial cost savings of up to Rs. 19,104.4 crore per annum. These findings support the case for policy changes to promote community boilers, aiding in the transition towards environmentally responsible and economically sustainable industrial practices in India.
