PETROLEUM COKE OR PET COKE

Context: In October 2023, the Supreme Court has asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to examine matters concerning the distribution of extremely pollutant petroleum coke (pet coke).

1. Pet coke is a carbon-rich solid material derived from the final cracking process of crude oil refining, emerging as a spongy residue akin to coal, suitable for use as a fuel replacement.
2. Recognized for its higher calorific value compared to coal, petcoke is utilized as a replacement fuel in various industries due to its energy efficiency.
3. This hydrophobic substance is less  volatile and produces low ash residue, making it an appealing alternative fuel source.
4. Widely used in cement manufacturing, lime kilns, industrial boilers, and in the production of aluminum anodes, petcoke serves as a versatile resource across multiple industrial applications.
5. Despite its utility, the combustion of petcoke releases hazardous gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, mercury, arsenic, chromium, nickel, and hydrogen chloride.
6. Its prevalence in diverse industries underscores its importance as a versatile resource despite environmental concerns related to its combustion byproducts.
7. Tax Advantage: Indian environmental taxes heavily favor petcoke over coal, making it a more cost-effective option despite its sulfur content and environmental concerns.

Measures Taken and Proposed:

1. Regulatory Response: The Supreme Court banned petcoke use in New Delhi and nearby regions, except for cement companies, which were granted an exemption due to sulfur removal during production.
2. Government Plans: There are discussions about implementing a nationwide ban on petcoke usage as fuel and halting imports, which currently constitute 40% of the supply.
3. Way Forward:  Suggestions include aligning environmental taxes on petcoke with those on coal to discourage its use.

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