Ministry of Coal initiates India's first pilot project for underground coal gasification in Jharkhand
- In Reports
- 05:46 PM, Jun 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Ministry of Coal has launched India's inaugural pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand, according to a press release.
Managed by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), the initiative seeks to transform the coal industry by converting coal into valuable gases like methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide through in-situ gasification.
These gases find diverse industrial applications, including the production of synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilisers, and explosives.
UCG offers a significant advantage by accessing coal deposits that are economically unfeasible to extract using traditional mining methods.
This pilot project represents a pivotal achievement for Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, positioning India as a leader in adopting advanced coal gasification technologies.
In December 2015, the Ministry of Coal sanctioned a comprehensive policy framework for UCG in regions abundant in coal and lignite, marking a strategic move towards harnessing these resources more effectively.
According to a press release, following the Ministry of Coal's policy framework, Coal India has selected the Kasta coal block for the deployment of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology, tailored to India's geological and mining conditions.
Managed by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI) from Canada, the project is scheduled to span two years and is structured into two phases.
The initial phase commenced on June 22, 2024, focusing on producing a technical feasibility report by drilling boreholes and testing core samples.
The subsequent phase will concentrate on executing pilot-scale coal gasification. This ambitious initiative, supported by funding from the CIL R&D Board, underscores the partnership between Eastern Coalfields Limited and Ergo Exergy as principal implementing agencies, as per the release.
The successful implementation of this pilot project is anticipated to create transformative opportunities for India's energy sector, demonstrating the sustainable and efficient utilisation of the nation's coal reserves.
The Ministry of Coal has expressed steadfast commitment to facilitating the successful execution of this pioneering venture, foreseeing a constructive impact on India's energy landscape, the release added.
Led by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), this initiative represents a significant stride in coal gasification technology, aimed at bolstering energy security and promoting sustainable development.
As the pilot project advances, its objective is to set new standards in the utilisation of coal resources, playing a pivotal role in India's pursuit of energy self-sufficiency.
The Ministry reaffirms its dedication to fostering innovation and efficiency within the coal sector, laying the groundwork for a resilient and environmentally sustainable energy landscape for the nation.
Image source: The Economic Times
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