Govt Launches First Underground Coal Gasification Pilot in Jharkhand
COAL & MINING

Govt Launches First Underground Coal Gasification Pilot in Jharkhand

In a pioneering move, the government announced that Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has initiated its first pilot project for underground coal gasification (UCG) in the Kasta coal block, Jamtara district, Jharkhand. UCG is an advanced method that converts coal still in the ground into a combustible gas, potentially revolutionizing power generation and other industrial uses.

"Under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Coal, Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) has embarked on an innovative pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara district, Jharkhand," the coal ministry said in a statement.

This initiative signifies the Centre's proactive efforts to diversify within the coal mining sector. By utilizing in-situ coal gasification, the project aims to produce valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can then be transformed into synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstock for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and various industrial applications.

The Ministry of Coal highlighted its commitment to promoting coal gasification projects, recognizing their potential to convert coal into a range of high-value chemical products.

The Kasta coal block was selected for implementing UCG technology tailored to India's unique geo-mining conditions. Managed by ECL in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Canada?s Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc (EETI), the project spans two years and includes two phases. The first phase, which commenced on Saturday, involves preparing a technical feasibility report through borehole drilling and core testing. The second phase will focus on pilot-scale coal gasification.

Successful execution of this pilot project is expected to create transformative opportunities for the country's energy sector, potentially setting a new benchmark for sustainable and diversified energy production in India.

In a pioneering move, the government announced that Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has initiated its first pilot project for underground coal gasification (UCG) in the Kasta coal block, Jamtara district, Jharkhand. UCG is an advanced method that converts coal still in the ground into a combustible gas, potentially revolutionizing power generation and other industrial uses. Under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Coal, Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) has embarked on an innovative pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara district, Jharkhand, the coal ministry said in a statement. This initiative signifies the Centre's proactive efforts to diversify within the coal mining sector. By utilizing in-situ coal gasification, the project aims to produce valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can then be transformed into synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstock for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and various industrial applications. The Ministry of Coal highlighted its commitment to promoting coal gasification projects, recognizing their potential to convert coal into a range of high-value chemical products. The Kasta coal block was selected for implementing UCG technology tailored to India's unique geo-mining conditions. Managed by ECL in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Canada?s Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc (EETI), the project spans two years and includes two phases. The first phase, which commenced on Saturday, involves preparing a technical feasibility report through borehole drilling and core testing. The second phase will focus on pilot-scale coal gasification. Successful execution of this pilot project is expected to create transformative opportunities for the country's energy sector, potentially setting a new benchmark for sustainable and diversified energy production in India.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

What Industry Wants!

The construction industry is gearing up for Budget 2025 with high expectations. As one of India’s key economic drivers, the sector is eagerly anticipating reforms and policies to address pressing challenges such as high input costs, funding gaps, and sustainability demands. Industry leaders across real estate, infrastructure, construction materials, and logistics have shared their wishlists, urging the government to focus on GST rationalization, increased CAPEX, and green initiatives.This year’s budget presents an opportunity for the government to not only tackle existing bottlenecks but a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Messe Stuttgart, Startup India Tie-Up to Boost Funding

The logistics market in India is poised for significant growth, with a projected revenue of $357.3 billion by 2030. Despite this huge potential, a recent McKinsey & Company report highlights the decline in logistics funding following the pandemic that remains a significant concern. After receiving unprecedented funding of $25.6 billion in 2021, venture capital investment in logistics startups fell sharply to $2.9 billion in 2023—a nearly 90 per cent decrease, marking the lowest since 2015. This pullback from investors is attributed to several factors, including high interest rates, a glo..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

JK Tyre Strengthens Road Safety Commitment

Reinforcing its unwavering commitment to road safety, JK Tyre & Industries, a leader in the tyre manufacturing industry, partnered with the Delhi Traffic Police to organise a comprehensive Road Safety Awareness Week. This initiative, held as part of National Road Safety Month (January 1–31, 2025) spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), aimed to foster responsible driving habits and reduce road accidents. Under the theme ‘Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Raksha,’ the initiative commenced on January 16, 2025, at the Delhi Police Traffic Training Park, BKS. The program feat..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000