Coal Gasification- Process and its significance

Source-This post on Coal Gasification-Process and its significance has been created based on the article “Coal Ministry Hosts Industry Interaction on Coal Gasification” published in “PIB” on 16 February 2024.

Why in the news?

Coal Ministry has recently organized an Industry Interaction at Hyderabad. This was aimed to promote coal/gasification projects across the nation.

About Coal Gasification

Process: Coal gasification is a process in which coal is partially oxidised with air, oxygen, steam or carbon dioxide to form a fuel gas. This gas is then used for deriving energy.

In-situ gasification of coal – or Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) –It is the technique of converting coal into gas while it is still in the seam and then extracting it through wells.
Rather than directly burning coal, gasification transforms all of its carbon into electricity, hydrogen, and other kinds of energy via partial oxidation.

Advantages of Coal Gasification

1) Chemical energy production-Coal gas may be transformed into chemical energy, which is then utilised to produce iron from iron ore, as well as methanol and urea.

2) Green energy production-The hydrogen produced by coal gasification may be utilised for a variety of applications, including the production of ammonia and the powering of a Hydrogen Economy.

3) Cost effectiveness for Indian industries– The industries can utilise syngas from coal gasification facilities instead of imported coking coal. This will enhance the cost and export effectiveness of Indian Industries.

Disadvantages of Coal Gasification

1) Environmental issue-The process can produce a number of harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides etc.

2) Cost– It is an expensive energy production process.

3) Overuse of water-It is one of the more water-intensive modes of energy generation.

Read more about-National Green Hydrogen Mission

UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology.