G Kishan Reddy Highlights Coal Gasification’s Role in Reducing Import Dependence and Enhancing Energy Security
India can significantly reduce its reliance on imports and enhance long-term energy security by accelerating coal gasification projects, according to Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy. Speaking at a roadshow aimed at promoting surface coal and lignite gasification, Reddy emphasized that coal gasification can convert the country’s extensive coal reserves into high-value products such as syngas, methanol, hydrogen, ethanol, urea, and sustainable aviation fuel.
Reddy pointed out that many of these products are currently imported in large quantities. Domestic production through coal gasification could save foreign exchange, decrease import dependence, and create new industrial value chains across sectors like fertilizers, steel, chemicals, transport, and clean energy. He noted that India holds the world’s fifth-largest coal reserves, exceeding 400 billion tonnes, and has the potential to transform its industrial landscape through advanced coal utilization technologies.
Commitment to Energy Security
India is the second-largest producer and consumer of coal globally, with Coal India Ltd being the largest coal-producing company. Reddy highlighted that coal meets approximately 70% of the country’s electricity demand and constitutes nearly 55% of its energy mix. He reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2070 through cleaner and more efficient use of domestic coal resources.
The National Coal Gasification Mission aims to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. Reddy expressed confidence that the incentive scheme would attract large-scale investments and expedite technology adoption. The draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the scheme has been made public for stakeholder consultations, with feedback being sought to enhance the implementation framework.
Modern Technologies in Coal Gasification
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who attended the event, stated that India is entering a new era of coal gasification powered by modern technologies. He emphasized that energy security is crucial for the country’s economic growth and resilience, warning that excessive dependence on imports makes India vulnerable to geopolitical developments and supply-chain disruptions. Fadnavis invited investors and industry leaders to invest in Maharashtra’s emerging energy and industrial ecosystem.
The roadshow was attended by various stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, senior ministry officials, representatives of coal-sector PSUs, industry leaders, technology providers, and investors.
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