Delhi: The Ministry of Coal organized a BRICS Side Event on Clean Coal Technologies, with a special focus on coal gasification, bringing together senior government officials, industry experts, public sector representatives, technology providers, and a BRICS delegation from Russia, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The event highlighted the growing importance of cleaner and more efficient coal utilization methods to support energy security and industrial growth.
Coal Gasification Highlighted as Key Energy Transition Tool
Delivering the keynote address, Additional Secretary Sanoj Kumar Jha emphasized the strategic role of coal gasification in strengthening India’s energy security.
He explained that coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which can be used for producing:
- Ammonia
- Methanol
- Hydrogen
- Synthetic fuels
- Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)
- Other value-added industrial products
He stated that the technology helps reduce import dependence while enabling more efficient use of domestic coal resources.
India’s Target: 100 Million Tonnes Coal Gasification by 2030
The Ministry reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.
This will be supported through:
- Policy incentives
- Financial support mechanisms
- Assured coal linkages
- Inter-ministerial coordination
Officials also highlighted ongoing coal gasification projects across the country and the need for international collaboration, especially among BRICS nations.
Presentations by Industry and Public Sector Units
Several organizations showcased advancements in coal gasification technologies and projects, including:
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited — presented coal gasification technology solutions
- Jindal Steel & Power Limited and Greta Energy — shared ongoing project developments and applications
- Eastern Coalfields Limited — presented progress on the Kasta Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot project
- Nominated Authority — explained coal block allocation and policy support for UCG
- Coal India Limited — showcased coal linkage systems and its own gasification initiatives
Panel Discussion on Challenges and Opportunities
An interactive panel discussion addressed key issues related to coal gasification, including:
- Technology advancement and efficiency
- Project economics and viability
- Geological and processing challenges
- Utilization of high-ash Indian coal
- Policy and financial support frameworks
Experts stressed the need for innovation and collaboration to scale up clean coal technologies effectively.
BRICS Cooperation for Cleaner Energy Future
The event served as a knowledge-sharing platform for BRICS countries, encouraging collaboration in clean coal technologies and sustainable energy development.
Officials emphasized that coal gasification can play a crucial role in supporting energy security, industrial growth, and cleaner coal utilization across developing economies.
The BRICS Side Event on Clean Coal Technologies reaffirmed India’s focus on coal gasification as a key component of its energy strategy. With participation from global partners and industry leaders, the initiative highlighted the potential of cleaner coal technologies to balance energy demand with sustainability goals.
