New Delhi: In a significant stride towards advancing India’s clean energy transition and ensuring grid stability, NTPC Limited, the country’s largest integrated power producer, has signed an agreement with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to develop a Coal-to-Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) facility.
The proposed facility will convert high-ash Indian coal from NTPC’s captive mines into Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) — a cleaner and more efficient fuel alternative. This SNG can be utilized for NTPC’s gas-based power plants as well as in-situ power generation, supporting the company’s efforts to meet peak-hour electricity demand while promoting sustainable use of domestic coal resources.
Supporting India’s Cleaner Coal and Energy Diversification Vision
The development of the Coal-to-SNG facility aligns closely with the Government of India’s vision for adopting cleaner coal technologies and diversifying the country’s energy mix. Coal gasification — the core process behind SNG production — is increasingly being recognized as a key technology for reducing import dependency and lowering emissions associated with coal-based power generation.
By adopting this approach, NTPC and EIL are contributing to India’s broader mission of energy self-reliance, reducing reliance on imported natural gas, and enabling cleaner utilization of the nation’s abundant coal reserves.
Read also: NTPC Accelerates Renewable Footprint: 9.9 MW Wind Project in Gujarat Goes Commercial on October 25
NETRA Leading the ‘Greening the Coal’ Initiative
The initiative is being spearheaded by NTPC’s R&D arm, NETRA (NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance), under its overarching “Greening the Coal” vision. This program focuses on the development of advanced clean coal technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), as well as methods to reduce the carbon footprint of coal-based power plants.
The collaboration with EIL marks a major milestone in indigenous technology development, fostering expertise in cleaner energy production while aligning with NTPC’s long-term sustainability and innovation-driven growth strategy.
Reinforcing India’s Commitment to Energy Security and Sustainability
The partnership also highlights India’s focus on balancing energy security with environmental responsibility. By converting coal into synthetic natural gas, NTPC aims to reduce emissions intensity, enhance energy efficiency, and create new value chains in the energy sector.
This move is particularly relevant as India transitions toward net-zero emissions, ensuring that its energy expansion remains both economically and ecologically sustainable.
NTPC’s Expanding Clean Energy Portfolio
NTPC Limited currently meets nearly one-fourth of India’s electricity demand, with an installed capacity of 84 GW. The company has 30.90 GW under construction, including 13.3 GW of renewable energy projects, and has set an ambitious target of 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032. With a diversified portfolio that spans thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power, NTPC continues to be at the forefront of India’s energy transformation. Beyond conventional power generation, it is actively venturing into emerging areas such as e-mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro, waste-to-energy, nuclear power, and green hydrogen. NTPC has also entered the power distribution sector through participation in bids for Union Territories.
About Engineers India Limited (EIL)
Engineers India Limited (EIL) is a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. It is a leading global engineering consultancy and EPC company, providing end-to-end services across oil and gas, petrochemicals, refineries, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors.
