Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has initiated a pioneering pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara district, Jharkhand.
This strategic endeavor, championed by the Ministry of Coal, aims to revolutionize the coal industry by leveraging in-situ coal gasification technology.
According to an official statement released on Monday, the project marks a significant step towards transforming coal into valuable gases like methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
These gases serve various applications such as producing synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and other industrial uses.
“The Ministry of Coal recognizes the potential of coal gasification to unlock high-value chemical products from coal, which aligns with our vision for sustainable energy solutions,” stated a spokesperson from the Coal Ministry.
Underground Coal Gasification offers a distinct advantage by accessing coal reserves that are economically unviable using conventional mining techniques.
This initiative not only promotes efficient resource utilization but also positions India at the forefront of adopting advanced coal gasification technologies.
The Ministry of Coal established the policy framework for UCG in December 2015, paving the way for projects such as the one at Kasta coal block.
Tailored to Indian geological and mining conditions, this project is managed by ECL in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI) from Canada.
Meanwhile, it spans two years and divides into two phases.
The first phase, initiated on June 22, 2024, involves the preparation of a Technical Feasibility Report through borehole drilling and core testing.
The subsequent phase will focus on coal gasification at a pilot scale, aiming to demonstrate the viability and scalability of the technology.
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