Coal Ministry Holds BRICS Side Event on Coal Gasification

New Delhi, Jun 25 (KNN) The Ministry of Coal organised a BRICS side event on clean coal technologies with a focus on coal gasification.

The event brought together government officials, public sector enterprises, industry representatives, technology providers and delegates from Russia, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

Addressing the event, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal Sanoj Kumar Jha highlighted the role of coal gasification in converting coal into synthesis gas (syngas), which can be used to produce products such as ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, synthetic fuels and direct reduced iron (DRI). 

He said the technology could support energy security and reduce dependence on imports by enabling greater utilisation of domestic coal resources.

Jha reiterated the government's target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 and outlined ongoing efforts to support the sector through policy measures, financial incentives and coal linkages.

The event featured presentations by public and private sector organisations on coal gasification technologies and projects. 

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) presented developments in coal gasification technology, while Jindal Steel Limited and Greta Energy discussed their ongoing projects and the potential relevance of the technology for BRICS countries.

Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) provided an update on the Kasta Underground Coal Gasification pilot project, while officials also outlined coal block allocation mechanisms and policy initiatives related to underground coal gasification. 

Coal India Limited presented details of its coal linkage provisions and coal gasification projects.

An interactive panel discussion examined issues related to technology adoption, project economics, utilisation of high-ash coal, geological challenges and policy support required for wider deployment of coal gasification projects.

The event served as a platform for discussions among BRICS participants and industry stakeholders on the role of coal gasification in energy security, industrial development and cleaner utilisation of coal resources.

(KNN Bureau)