In recent years, global air pollution has emerged as one of the most critical problems on the planet, impacting the quality of life for millions. As reported by [IQAir’s 2024 Global Air Quality Report], some cities in Asia and Africa are recording hazardous PM2.5 concentrations. Diesel generators are often used as backup power sources in residential, commercial, and industrial areas. These generators contribute immensely to the ever-growing air quality problem.
To combat this, Retrofit Emission Control Devices (RECDs) is one of the new devices that effectively serves this purpose. Now, let’s check the top 10 polluted cities and see how they will benefit from RECD installation.
Top 10 Most Polluted Cities in the World (2024)
According to data from IQAir, the following remain the World’s most polluted cities with the highest annual averages of PM2.5 levels.
| RANK | STATE | CITY | PM2.5 Level (µg/m³) |
| 1 | Byrnihat | Meghalaya | 128.2 |
| 2 | Delhi | Delhi (Union Territory) | 108.3 |
| 3 | Mullanpur | Punjab | 102.3 |
| 4 | Faridabad | Haryana | 101.2 |
| 5 | Loni | Uttar Pradesh | 91.7 |
| 6 | New Delhi | Delhi (Union Territory) | 91.6 |
| 7 | Gurugram | Haryana | 87.4 |
| 8 | Ganganagar | Rajasthan | 86.6 |
| 9 | Greater Noida | Uttar Pradesh | 83.5 |
| 10 | Bhiwadi | Rajasthan | 83.1 |
Note: as per referance above all the data are taken from IQAIR Website
In definitive terms, these cities are grappling with hazardous air quality levels due to PM2.5 metrics, which largely exceed the WHO standard of 5 µg/m³.
Why Diesel Generators Are a Major Pollutant
In areas with inconsistent power supply, diesel generators are heavily used. Regions utilizing generators for supplementary power supply as an alternative where electricity is not available are greatly affected by:
➤ Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
➤ Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
➤ Carbon Monoxide (CO)
➤ Hydrocarbons (HC)
Such pollutants are known to exacerbate respiratory and heart-related problems and increase pollution in the atmosphere.
What is RECD and How Does It Work?
RECD (Retrofit Emission Control Device) is the latest system developed to mitigate particulate emissions from diesel generator sets’ exhaust. Some of the processes it adopts are performing the following processes:
➤ Capturing and oxidizing the particulates from diesel
➤ Elimination of NOx emissions using SCR technology
➤ Converting toxic gases into less harmful by-products
The Urgency to Install RECDs in Polluted Cities
Cities like Begusarai, Guwahati, and Delhi need emission policies due to their increased pollution levels. Here’s how RECDs can assist each town.
1. Begusarai (India)
Diesel power backup gensets are common in Begusarai. RECD installations and health outcome improvement go hand in hand as they can be used to control power-linked emissions. Alongside reducing health care costs, Begusarais PM2.5 level of 118.9 µg/m³ can also drop.
2. Guwahati (India)
Being a newcomer to the heavily polluted cities club, Guwahati can significantly benefit from installing RECDs. The residential and commercial gensets stand to contribute heavily to increased air quality.
3. Delhi (India)
Powering numerous diesel generators in offices and homes by Delhi residents continuously keeps the city in a constant haze. RECDs should be made compulsory if there is any intention to turn off the smog.
4. Mullanpur (India)
Punjab’s Mullanpur contains multiple sources of emissions located in a single hot spot. Implementing RECDs will allow these industrial DG sets to meet the CPCB requirements and reduce regional pollution.
5. Lahore (Pakistan)
As the second-most administered city in Pakistan, Lahore repeatedly faces fog issues. The integration of RECDs in commercial establishments will further aid in the town’s emission reduction and logistics emission pollution.
6. Khanna (India)
RECDs can help combat diesel generator pollution, which affects Khanna’s grain market and air quality.
7. Lucknow (India)
Air pollution is a significant concern in rapidly urbanizing Lucknow. The implementation of RECDs could effectively manage DG air pollution.
8. Bagpat (India)
A satellite town of Delhi, Bagpat is plagued with air issues. The air can be improved regionally with RECDs put onto all diesel generators.
9. Purnia (India)
With rural and urban demand, diesel generators are frequently used, leading to a surge in PM2.5 levels. RECDs can help reduce emissions in this region.
10. Greater Noida (India)
As an industrial hub, Greater Noida cannot attain air quality targets. Compliance with RECDs and regulations would help achieve air quality goals.
Benefits of Installing RECD on Diesel Generators
✅ CPCB Norms Compliance
✅ Reduction in Community Illnesses and Cleaner Air
✅ Cost Reduction in the Long Run
✅ Supports Corporate Social Responsibility Goals
✅ Reduced Carbon Footprint
In certain jurisdictions, installing RECD is more than simply a legal obligation; it is an ethical obligation to protect the future.
Government Regulations Supporting RECD Use
The CPCB-defined Diesel Power Plant Emission Controls Regulation restricts the emission of diesel generators, especially for units within the 19 kW to 800 kW range. Norms provide measures for compliance, such as the use of retrofit devices such as RECDs.
Some state governments are increasingly rewarding businesses that install emission control technologies. Early adoption also protects from severe penalties and closures in the case of emergency pollution situations.
Conclusion: Improved Air Quality Is a Result of Smart Decisions
Increased levels of pollution in some cities around the World are a significant cause of concern. Diesel generators are necessary for primary and backup power supply; their pollutants are not welcome. Using RECDs can change how we utilize diesel power to make it more environmentally friendly.
You need to do something if you operate a business, a school, a hospital, or even a residence with diesel generators. By selecting Retrofit Emission Control Devices, you are selecting a better world.
FAQs
Q1: What does RECD stand for in diesel generators?
RECD stands for Retrofit Emission Control Device and refers to a technology that diminishes the harmful emissions from the exhaust systems of diesel generators.
Q2: What particulates does RECD contribute to controlling the most?
RECD reduces particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC), thus trapping particulates and transforming noxious gases into less harmful ones.
Q3: Is it installed on diesel vehicles? legislated in India
Yes, specifically within the National Capital Region (NCR), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recommends using RECD technology to meet emission limits.
Q4: Is it possible to retrofit RECD to older models of diesel generators?
Yes, these RECDs are considered retrofit devices, meaning they can be added to existing diesel generators.
Q5: What is the emission reduction potential of RECD technology?
RECD devices differ in type and quality, but typically, the devices can reduce PM and NOx emissions by 70-90%.