Hyderabad: The Ministry of Coal successfully organised a major roadshow on Coal and Lignite Gasification Projects in Hyderabad, bringing together key stakeholders from industry, government, financial institutions, and technology providers. The event focused on showcasing India’s vision for expanding coal gasification as a driver of cleaner energy, industrial growth, and import substitution.
Held with wide participation, the roadshow highlighted investment opportunities, policy frameworks, technological advancements, and implementation strategies to develop a strong coal gasification ecosystem in the country.
Key Leadership and Dignitaries at the Event
The event was attended by senior Union Ministers and top officials from the coal sector.
Key dignitaries included:
- G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines (Chief Guest)
- Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines (Guest of Honour)
- Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal
- Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal
Senior officials from the ministry also participated in discussions and presentations during the roadshow.
Coal Gasification Positioned as a Strategic Energy Transition Tool
In his keynote address, G. Kishan Reddy highlighted India’s strong coal resource base of nearly 400 billion tonnes, making it one of the largest globally. He noted that India is the second-largest producer and consumer of coal, with around 70% of electricity generation dependent on coal.
He emphasized that coal gasification offers a transformative opportunity to convert domestic coal into value-added products such as methanol, ammonia, fertilizers, and industrial chemicals, thereby reducing import dependence and strengthening energy security.
₹46,000 Crore Government Push for Gasification Projects
A major highlight of the roadshow was the government’s policy support for the sector, including:
- Cabinet approval of a ₹46,000 crore scheme for promoting coal and lignite gasification projects
- Emphasis on ease of doing business and investor-friendly reforms
- Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) placed in the public domain for stakeholder feedback
- Strong focus on transparency, consultation, and accountability
The initiative is expected to accelerate large-scale private and public investment in gasification projects across India.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision and Import Substitution
Satish Chandra Dubey underscored that coal gasification aligns with the vision of a self-reliant India under the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
He highlighted that India currently imports key industrial inputs such as:
- Methanol
- Ammonia
- Fertilizer feedstocks
- Other chemical intermediates
Coal gasification, he noted, can significantly reduce this import dependence while generating employment and boosting domestic industrial capacity.
Policy Framework and Investment Ecosystem
Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt described coal gasification as a strategic national programme aimed at converting India’s coal reserves into high-value industrial products.
Key highlights included:
- ₹37,500 crore scheme for surface coal and lignite gasification projects
- Coal linkage assurance and downstream infrastructure support
- State-level incentives for cluster-based development
- Focus on private participation and technology partnerships
He also urged industry stakeholders to actively contribute feedback on the draft RFP to strengthen the final implementation framework.
Technology Showcase and State Participation
The roadshow featured presentations by major organisations and state governments:
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) showcased indigenous gasification technologies
- Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) demonstrated research-based solutions
- States including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana presented investment-friendly policies and opportunities
These presentations highlighted India’s push toward technological self-reliance and regional industrial development.
Interactive Sessions and Industry Engagement
An interactive Q&A session was held with stakeholders from across the sector, including:
- Investors
- Technology providers
- Financial institutions
- Industry associations
Discussions covered key issues such as financing models, environmental clearances, regulatory frameworks, coal availability, and infrastructure requirements. Senior ministry officials addressed all queries, reflecting strong industry interest in the emerging sector.
Coal Gasification as a Driver of Industrial Growth
The roadshow concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to promoting coal gasification as a cornerstone of India’s energy strategy.
With robust policy support, technological collaboration, and investor participation, the initiative is expected to:
- Strengthen energy security
- Reduce import dependency
- Generate employment opportunities
- Boost domestic manufacturing
- Support long-term industrial growth
The Ministry of Coal reiterated that coal gasification will play a key role in advancing India’s vision of a self-reliant and developed economy in the coming decades.
