Ministry of Coal Conducts Roadshow on Coal Gasification Technologies in Mumbai
The Ministry of Coal conducted a significant Roadshow on Coal Gasification technologies in Mumbai on September 12, 2025. This event gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to discuss the potential of coal gasification in transforming India’s energy landscape. The initiative aims to promote cleaner energy solutions, reduce import reliance, and stimulate economic growth by leveraging the country’s abundant coal reserves.
Key Highlights from the Roadshow
During the event, Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, delivered the keynote address, celebrating a historic milestone of over 1 billion tonnes of coal production. She emphasized the critical role of coal in India’s energy mix and its importance in supporting economic development. Ms. Brar outlined the Ministry’s vision for coal gasification as a cornerstone of India’s energy transition, highlighting its potential to produce clean fuels and chemicals while minimizing environmental impact. She described coal gasification as a means to “give back to Mother Earth” by reducing the ecological footprint associated with traditional coal usage.
The Roadshow underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for both surface and underground coal gasification projects. Ms. Brar called for increased investment in indigenous technologies, enhanced research and development, and collaboration with private sectors to ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives. She urged stakeholders to align their efforts with global best practices in environmental protection and sustainable development.
Understanding Coal Gasification
A comprehensive presentation on coal gasification was a focal point of the Roadshow, detailing its benefits and methodologies. Coal gasification converts coal into synthetic gas (syngas), which consists of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide. This syngas can be utilized for electricity generation, fertilizer production, and as a feedstock for hydrogen. The presentation also covered Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), a process that gasifies deep, unmineable coal seams in situ, using oxidants like air or steam. UCG has the potential to support India’s clean fuel initiatives while producing valuable byproducts through the partial oxidation of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
The environmental advantages of UCG were also highlighted, as it allows for the exploitation of deep coal seams with minimal surface disruption and reduced water usage compared to conventional methods. This approach can lead to the production of cleaner fuels, including methanol and synthetic natural gas.
Government Initiatives and Stakeholder Engagement
To advance coal gasification, the Ministry of Coal has engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including state governments and environmental agencies. These discussions aim to ensure that safety standards are well understood and effectively implemented. A dedicated committee has been established to review mining plan guidelines and integrate UCG-specific provisions, facilitating smoother approvals and incorporating these measures into future coal mine auctions.
An interactive Q&A session at the Roadshow allowed participants to engage directly with senior officials and experts, discussing policy frameworks, technological options, and investment opportunities in coal gasification. This engagement reflects the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and collaboration in developing a sustainable energy future.
By combining innovative technology with strong regulatory support, the Ministry of Coal seeks to position coal gasification, including UCG, as a vital component of India’s sustainable energy strategy. The Roadshow reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing new technologies and partnerships that can unlock the potential of India’s vast coal resources while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
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