India's Coal Ministry Launches Groundbreaking Underground Coal Gasification Pilot in Jharkhand

Ministry of Coal Commences India’s First Pilot Project for Underground Coal Gasification in Jharkhand.  The initiative aims to revolutionize the coal industry by utilizing in-situ coal gasification, transforming coal directly within the earth into valuable gases like methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can then be harnessed for various industrial applications, enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Coal, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has embarked on an innovative pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. This initiative represents a forward-looking approach towards harnessing unconventional energy sources, showcasing ECL's commitment to exploring cutting-edge technologies in the realm of coal extraction and utilization. This underscores the Ministry’s proactive diversification efforts within the coal sector. This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the coal industry by utilizing in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can be harnessed for the production of synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and various other industrial applications. The Ministry of Coal is fully committed to promoting coal gasification projects, recognizing their potential to transform coal into diverse high-value chemical products.

This initiative aims to innovate the coal sector by utilizing in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases hold immense potential for various industrial applications, including synthetic natural gas production, chemical feedstocks, fertilizers, explosives, and more.

This strategic move underscores the Ministry's proactive approach towards diversification within the coal industry. By leveraging advanced coal gasification technologies, India aims to tap into coal resources that were previously economically unfeasible to access through traditional mining methods. The project, managed by ECL in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI) from Canada, is funded by the CIL R&D Board and spans two years, divided into two phases.

The initial phase, launched on June 22, 2024, focuses on generating a Technical Feasibility Report via borehole drilling and core testing, marking a pivotal step in the Underground Coal Gasification project at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand. Subsequently, the second phase will focus on coal gasification at a pilot scale. The successful execution of this project is expected to unlock transformative opportunities for India's energy sector, showcasing the sustainable and efficient utilization of coal resources.

The Ministry of Coal is committed to providing steadfast support for the successful implementation of this initiative, recognizing its potential to revolutionize India's energy landscape. As the project progresses, it aims to set new benchmarks in coal resource utilization, contributing significantly to India's journey towards energy self-reliance. This pioneering effort signifies a significant advancement in coal gasification technology, enhancing energy security and fostering sustainable development.