The use of generator sets (GenSets) has become essential in both industrial and residential applications, especially in those areas where there is an unreliable supply of electricity. While these Gensets provide an important power backup solution, its emissions of environmental pollutants can have serious adverse effects on air quality and public health. To reduce these harmful effects, the government has imposed strict emission standards for Gensets, especially those running on petrol and kerosene, which have a power rating of up to 19 kW.

What Are Gensets and Why Are Emission Standards Important?

GenSets are machines used to provide backup power during power outages. These generators often run on gasoline or kerosene, both fossil fuels that release pollution when burned. These emissions lead to air pollution and can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory diseases and cardiovascular problems.

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Given the growing demand for GenSets in both urban and rural areas, regulating their discharge levels has become a need. This is where emission standards come in handy. Emission standards are regulations that must be followed for the matter of harmful pollutants (such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and specify the maximum permissible levels of hydrocarbons (HC)) that can be emitted from these generators. To reduce the environmental impact of GenSets, it is necessary to adhere to these standards.

The Environment (Protection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2023: Key Highlights

The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, under the powers of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the environmental rules have been modified numerous times. The Environment (Protection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2023 are the latest update, aims to address emissions from gensets. 

As per the Fourth Amendment Rules, the central government has issued new directives to control emissions from Gensets sets running on gasoline and kerosene. These rules are necessary to ensure that GenSets up to 19 KW meet national air quality standards.

Key Features of the Amendment

Purchase Order Exemption: The amendment provides a transitional exemption for GenSets whose purchase order was placed on or before 30th June 2023. These units can be supplied until 30th June 2024, in accordance with the previous emission norms.

This grace period ensures that manufacturers and distributors have time to adjust to the updated standards and fulfill existing orders without facing penalties.

Emission Standards for GenSets (Up to 19 KW)

The emission standards of GenSets up to 19 KW running on petrol and kerosene have been specified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and are designed to reduce harmful pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The new regulations align with goals to improve air quality and lessen health risks associated with the use of fossil fuel-powered generators.

Also Read: What are the SO2 and NOx Standards for Reheating Furnace Industry?

Emission Limits for Petrol GenSets (Up to 19 KW)

These limits are stringent compared to earlier regulations, which reflect growing concerns over air pollution and the need for cleaner technologies. For petrol-powered GenSets, the emission limits are as follows:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO): Maximum 2.5 g/kWh.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Maximum 3.0 g/kWh.
• Hydrocarbons (HC): Maximum 1.0 g/kWh.
• Particulate Matter (PM): Maximum 0.3 g/kWh.

Emission Limits for Kerosene GenSets (Up to 19 KW)

For kerosene-powered GenSets, the emission standards are to some extent more relaxed but still major. The emission limits are:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO): Maximum 3.0 g/kWh.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Maximum 4.0 g/kWh.
• Hydrocarbons (HC): Maximum 1.2 g/kWh.
• Particulate Matter (PM): Maximum 0.4 g/kWh.

Although the emission limit of kerosene gensets is slightly higher than that of petrol gensets, it still reflect the necessary to control harmful emissions and maintain air quality.

Conclusion

The latest petrol and kerosene emissions standards play an important role in mitigating environmental pollutants released from these machines. With rising concerns about air quality and public health, implementing these regulations is essential to safeguard the environment and ensure that GenSets remain a sustainable backup power solution. 

The implementation schedule provided in the Fourth Amendment Rules, in 2023, provides a clear roadmap for manufacturers and consumers to transition to cleaner and more efficient generator sets. By following these regulations, industries and individuals can reduce the harmful effects of GenSets on air quality and help build a healthier environment for future generations.