Underground coal gasification initiated at Kasta block
Canadian Ergo Energy is collaborating with Indian companies on a two-year innovative pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand, that was launched on 22 June.
The project is under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Coal, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) http://easterncoal.gov.in,
Managed by ECL in collaboration with Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc (EETI) https://www.ergoexergy.com/ from Canada, this project spans two years and comprises of two phases, Coal Ministry said on 24 June 2024.
This underscores the Ministry’s proactive diversification efforts within the coal sector. This first ever groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the coal industry by using in-situ coal gasification to convert it into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide https://www.worldcoal.com/ .
“These gases can be utilized to produce synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and other industrial applications,” the Ministry of Coal http://coal.nic.in said on 24 June.
The ministry stressed that it is fully committed to promoting coal gasification projects https://attentionindia.com/ , recognizing their potential to transform coal into various high-value chemical products.
Underground Coal Gasification offers a significant advantage by providing access to coal resources that are economically unviable through traditional mining methods. This pilot project represents a significant milestone for Coal India Limited (CIL) http://coalindia.in and its subsidiaries, positioning India as a leader in adopting advanced coal gasification technologies.
In December, 2015, the Ministry of Coal approved a comprehensive policy framework for UCG in coal and lignite-bearing areas. In alignment with this policy, Coal India selected the Kasta coal block to implement UCG technology tailored to Indian geo-mining conditions https://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/ .
The first phase, which commenced on 22 June 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 https://www.iea.org/ .
“This ambitious R&D project, funded by the CIL R&D Board, exemplifies collaboration between Eastern Coalfields Ltd and Ergo Exergy as sub-implementing agencies https://www.phdcci.in/ ,” said the ministry.
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 https://mnre.gov.in/ .
The ministry said it is to provide unwavering support for the successful implementation of this pioneering initiative and looks forward to its positive impact on India’s energy landscape https://pnwh2.com/ .
“This strategic initiative led by ECL represents a significant advancement in coal gasification technology, enhancing energy security and promoting sustainable development https://ficci.in/api/home ,” it said.
As the pilot project progresses, it aims to establish new standards in coal resource utilization, contributing to India’s journey towards energy self-reliance https://www.cii.in/ . The ministry said it remains dedicated to fostering innovation and efficiency in the coal sector, paving the way for a resilient and environmentally sustainable energy future for the nation. Fiinews.com
