Coal Gasification Technology (Science and Technology)
Coal Gasification Technology (Science and Technology)
Why In News:
The Ministry of Coal is organising a roadshow in Hyderabad on 11 June 2026 to discuss implementation strategies for coal and lignite gasification.
What is Coal Gasification?
Coal gasification is the process of converting coal into synthesis gas (syngas)- a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and other gases by reacting coal with oxygen, steam, or CO2 at high temperature and pressure inside a gasifier.
Syngas can be used to produce value-added products: Methanol, Ammonium nitrate, Synthetic natural gas, Industrial chemicals, and electricity.
Underground Coal Gasification (UCG): Coal is gasified in-situ within the coal seam without mining. India has significant UCG potential in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC): Uses syngas to generate clean electricity, reducing emission intensity.
Key Government Initiatives
National Coal Gasification Mission: India targets 100 MT of coal gasification by 2030.
50% rebate in the revenue share for coal used in gasification has been introduced in commercial coal block auctions, provided that at least 10% of the total coal production is used for gasification purposes.
NLCIL (NLC India Limited): A Navratna PSU involved in lignite gasification projects.