Government of India has set a target to achieve 100 Million Tonnes Coal Gasification by 2030: Additional Secretary, Coal Ministry

What is the News?

Recently, the Ministry of Coal has organized the National Mineral Congress. The Ministry has also prepared a National Mission document to achieve 100 MT Coal Gasification by 2030.

What is Coal Gasification?

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 instead of piped natural gas, methane and others for deriving energy.

China has the biggest number of coal gasification projects in the world. 5% of China’s total coal consumption is from its gasifier. The US also has some coal gasification plants running.

What are the advantages of coal gasification?

a) Used in a variety of applications such as in the production of electricity and making chemical products such as fertilisers, b) The hydrogen obtained from coal gasification can be used for various purposes such as making ammonia, powering a hydrogen economy or upgrading fossil fuels, c) Methane or natural gas extracted from coal gasification can be converted into LNG for direct use as fuel in the transport sector.

What are the concerns associated with coal gasification?

Coal gasification is one of the more water-intensive forms of energy production. There are concerns about water contamination, land subsidence and disposing of wastewater safely.

Source: The post is based on the article “Government of India has set a target to achieve 100 Million Tonnes Coal Gasification by 2030: Additional Secretary, Coal Ministry” published in PIB on 27th May 2022.