Congratulations to the Past Winners
Your leadership and innovation drive our energy transition. Congratulations to all winners who have set new benchmarks for environmental excellence in India's power sector.
Photo Album
Browse highlights from the awards night — photos, candid moments and award presentations from AQCS 2025.
Past Winners
Proud Winners
2025
Celebrating outstanding achievements across India's power & industry sector
- DB POWER LIMITED
- Damodar Valley Corporation — Bokaro Thermal Power Station
- Dhariwal Infrastructure Limited
- Grasim Industries Ltd
- Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd — Ukai Thermal Power Station
- Hindalco Industries Limited — Renusagar Power Division
- Jindal Power Limited — Simhapuri Thermal Power Plant
- Jindal Power Limited — Tamnar
- Jhajjar Power Limited (Apraava Energy)
- JSW Energy (Barmer) Limited
- JSW Steel Limited, Raigarh
- MAHAGENCO — Bhusawal Thermal Power Station
- MAHAGENCO — Khaparkheda Thermal Power Station
- MAHAGENCO — Koradi Thermal Power Station
- MAHAGENCO — Nashik Thermal Power Station
- MAHAGENCO — Paras Thermal Power Station
- MAHAGENCO — Uran Combined Cycle Thermal Power Plant
- NTPC Limited — Khargone Super Thermal Power Station
- NTPC Limited — Rihand Super Thermal Power Station
- NTPC Limited — Sipat Super Thermal Power Station
- NTPC Limited — Solapur Super Thermal Power Station
- NTPC Limited — Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station
- NTPC-SAIL Power Company Limited — Durgapur Captive Power Plant
- TATA Power Company Limited — Jojobera Power Plant
- The Singareni Collieries Company Limited
- UltraTech Cement Limited — Sewagram Cement Works
- Vedanta Limited — Lanjigarh
- Welspun Captive Power Generation Limited
- West Bengal Power Development Corp Limited — Kolaghat Thermal Power Station
Modernising AQCS for India's Thermal Power Plants
In India, Air Quality Control Systems (AQCS) are the critical technological barrier between thermal power plant emissions and the environment. Given that India relies on coal for over 70 per cent of its electricity generation, the modernization of these systems is a central pillar of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP).
Over the past decade, India has tightened emission standards for thermal power plants, in line with global best practices. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) mandated strict limits on SO₂, NOₓ, PM, and mercury emissions for both existing and new plants.
"Coal powers over 70% of India's electricity. Modernising its emissions controls is not optional — it is existential."
National Clean Air Program, India1. The Core technological components
A standard AQCS in a modern Indian thermal power plant operates through three primary stages designed to control Particulate Matter (PM), Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ). Each stage integrates specialised technologies to reduce emissions at source and ensure compliance with India’s evolving environmental regulations.
Indian coal is notorious for its high ash content (often 30–45 per cent), making the ESP the most vital component.
- Uses high-voltage electrodes to ionise flue gas. Dust particles become negatively charged and migrate to positively charged collecting plates.
- Most Indian plants have ESPs, but many are being retrofitted with larger collection areas or "Moving Electrode" technology to handle the high-resistivity ash typical of Indian coal.
FGD systems represent the most significant addition to Indian thermal power plants in recent years. Although Indian coal contains relatively low sulphur compared to Chinese or US coal, the sheer volume of coal burnt made SO₂ emission regulation essential.
- Most plants deploy Wet Limestone Scrubbing technology — SO₂ reacts with limestone slurry to form calcium sulphate (gypsum), commercially supplied to the cement industry.
- As of 2026, installation is prioritised by location (Category A, B, and C), with plants near Delhi and major cities facing the earliest deadlines.
Thermal power plants control nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) through two primary approaches.
- Plants deploy Low-NOₓ Burners (LNB) and Over Fire Air (OFA) systems to minimise NOₓ formation during the combustion process.
- They install Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) or Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR) systems, which use ammonia or urea to convert NOₓ into harmless nitrogen and water.
2. The Regulatory Framework
MoEFCC's phased compliance roadmap uses location-based categorisation to prioritise installations
The implementation of AQCS in India follows a phased compliance roadmap defined by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Given the scale of retrofitting required across hundreds of coal-based thermal power units, the ministry adopted a location-based categorisation approach to prioritise installations. Plants were grouped based on proximity to high population density zones and critically polluted regions to balance environmental urgency with engineering feasibility.
Plants located within 10 km of the National Capital Region (NCR) or cities with a population exceeding one million.
These units face the most stringent compliance timelines. FGD installation is mandatory, and most deadlines have either passed or are under strict enforcement oversight.
Plants within 10 km of Critically Polluted Areas (CPAs) or non-attainment cities.
These plants are in various stages of FGD retrofitting and emission control upgrades, with compliance closely monitored by regulatory authorities.
Plants in other locations where population density and pollution sensitivity are relatively lower.
Recent regulatory revisions have introduced conditional exemptions for certain Category C units, particularly older plants nearing retirement or those located far from densely populated regions. In such cases, regulators have placed greater emphasis on stack height optimisation and dispersion management rather than mandatory FGD installation. However, particulate matter and NOₓ norms continue to apply.
3. Major Challenges in the Indian Context
Despite the mandates, the rollout of AQCS faces several structural hurdles
Many older plants were not designed with enough space between the boiler and the chimney to plug in a massive FGD unit.
An FGD system can cost roughly Rs 0.5 crore to Rs 0.7 crore per MW, leading to significant tariff hikes for consumers.
There is a limited number of vendors (like BHEL, GE, and Mitsubishi) capable of executing these massive engineering projects simultaneously across the country.
FGD systems require significant amounts of water and limestone, and they consume about 1–2 per cent of the power plant's own electricity (auxiliary power) to operate.
Why You Should Attend
Six compelling reasons to be part of India's premier AQCS knowledge platform
Learn about the latest advancements in flue gas desulfurisation (FGD), electrostatic precipitators (ESP), selective catalytic reduction (SCR), bag filters, and continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS).
Gain insights on India's latest emission norms, compliance strategies, and best practices for thermal power plants.
Explore solutions that reduce emissions while optimising plant performance and lowering operational costs.
Hear success stories and case studies from top-performing thermal power plants.
Connect with technology providers, plant operators, consultants, and policymakers shaping the future of air quality management.
Who Should Attend
The summit is designed for professionals across the thermal power and environmental sectors
Thermal power plant operators and engineers looking to improve AQCS performance.
Operations · EngineeringEnvironmental compliance managers responsible for meeting emission standards.
Compliance · RegulationTechnology providers and solution vendors offering AQCS products and services.
Technology · InnovationPolicymakers and regulators involved in air quality and energy sector standards.
Policy · GovernanceConsultants, sustainability professionals, and industry researchers focused on emission reduction and operational excellence.
Research · SustainabilityThe CEE 5th National Power-Gen Environment Excellence Awards 2026 is intended to award the Units / Plants which has shown improvements in its key environmental parameters such as CO₂, SO₂, & NOₓ emissions, Particulate Matter emissions, disposal and utilization of Ash, etc, through Excellence in environmental sustainability.
Award Categories
Recognising excellence across Independent Power Producers, Captive Power Plants & specialised achievements
Specialised Categories
Key Benefits of Nominating
Seize the platform to be recognised as a leader in environmental excellence
Showcase Achievements
Highlight your team's efforts in optimizing energy usage and setting benchmarks for industry peers.
Enhance Brand Reputation
Gain national recognition and credibility as a pioneer in energy efficiency.
Foster Innovation
Inspire your workforce and others by demonstrating successful implementation of innovative strategies.
Encourage Industry Collaboration
Engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and experts, fostering growth and sharing best practices.
Seize this opportunity to spotlight your dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability. A nomination is not just an acknowledgment but a step toward building a greener and more efficient future.
Take the First Step Towards Recognition Today!Key Dates
Registration
Delegate Registration
- Indian Delegate
- INR 22,500 + 18% GST Per Delegate
- Overseas Delegate
- USD 300 Per Delegate
- Group Discount
- 5% For 3+ Participants
- 10% For 5+ Participants
Award Nomination
- INR 33,500 + 18% GST Per Category
- Discount 5% For 3+ Categories
Speaker Registration
- Indian Speaker
- INR 60,000 + 18% GST
- Overseas Speaker
- USD 800
Online Registration
To participate as Delegates, nominate for Awards, or be a Speaker, fill and submit the online form from the links above.
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Make online payment via our secured payment gateway using your Credit Card, Bank Transfer, or send Cheque/DD to our postal address.
Please Note
- For each Award category, only one participant is permitted.
- In case additional participants (of existing Award nominee) who wish to attend the event, will be charged a discounted price of INR 20,500 + GST per participant.
- In each category, only 5 nominations are permitted.
- Only the first 5 applications will be eligible for consideration.
- Accurate participant information and details must be provided during registration.
- The online registration is considered final, and no cancellations will be allowed once the registration is completed.
- Successful online registration will result in a confirmation sent to the provided email address.
- In case of technical issues with the online registration system, participants are encouraged to contact support at +91 98214 19110 for assistance.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a Partner in Excellence
Position your brand at the forefront of India's power generation industry. Sponsor the CEE Power-Gen Leadership Awards & Conference and connect with key decision-makers shaping the future of energy.
- Enhanced brand visibility among industry leaders
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Sponsorship Packages
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Platinum
₹6,00,000
USD 8,000
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Diamond
₹5,00,000
USD 7,000
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Gold
₹4,00,000
USD 6,000
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Silver
₹3,50,000
USD 5,000
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Associate
₹2,50,000
USD 4,000
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Lunch
₹2,00,000
USD 3,000
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Welcome Kit
₹1,50,000
USD 2,500
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3 |
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Delegate Passes |
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1 slot · 30 min |
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Delegates List |
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Screening of Corporate Film |
Upto 5 min |
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1 Award Nomination |
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