Ministry of Coal, under the strategic guidance of the Indian government, has initiated the country’s first-ever pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), represents a significant leap forward in the coal industry, leveraging in-situ coal gasification to convert coal into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
These gases are essential for producing synthetic natural gas and serve as chemical feedstocks for various industrial applications, including fuels, fertilisers, and explosives. The Ministry’s commitment to promoting coal gasification projects underscores its dedication to transforming coal into high-value chemical products, thus diversifying and enhancing the coal sector’s output.
UCG offers the distinct advantage of accessing coal resources that are otherwise economically unviable through traditional mining methods. This pilot project not only marks a milestone for Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries but also positions India as a leader in adopting advanced coal gasification technologies.
Ministry of Coal had earlier approved a comprehensive policy framework for UCG in December 2015, focusing on coal and lignite-bearing areas. Aligning with this policy, Coal India selected the Kasta coal block for implementing UCG technology suited to Indian geo-mining conditions. The project, managed by ECL in collaboration with Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) Ranchi and Canadian firm Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI), spans two years and is divided into two phases.
The first phase, which began on June 22, 2024, involves preparing a Technical Feasibility Report through borehole drilling and core testing. The second phase will focus on coal gasification at a pilot scale. This ambitious R&D initiative, funded by the CIL R&D Board, exemplifies the collaboration between ECL and Ergo Exergy as sub-implementing agencies.
The successful execution of this pilot project is expected to create transformative opportunities for India’s energy sector, showcasing the sustainable and efficient use of the country’s coal resources. The Ministry of Coal is providing unwavering support for the project’s implementation, anticipating its positive impact on India’s energy landscape.
