Eastern Coalfields begins underground coal gasification pilot project

Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a fully-owned subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), has embarked on an innovative pilot project for underground coal gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand.

This underscores the government’s proactive diversification efforts within the coal sector, an official press release said. “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. These gases can be utilized to produce synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and other industrial applications.”

UCG offers a significant advantage by providing access to coal resources that are economically unviable through traditional mining methods. The Kasta pilot project represents a significant milestone for CIL and its subsidiaries, positioning India as a leader in adopting advanced coal gasification technologies, the release said.

In December 2015, the Coal Ministry approved a comprehensive policy framework for UCG in coal and lignite-bearing areas. In alignment with this policy, CIL selected the Kasta coal block to implement UCG technology tailored to Indian geo-mining conditions. Managed by ECL in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc (EETI) from Canada, this project spans two years and comprises two phases.

The first phase, which commenced on Friday, involves preparing a technical feasibility report through borehole drilling and core testing. The second phase will focus on coal gasification at a pilot scale. 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. 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.

This strategic initiative, led by ECL, represents a significant advancement in coal gasification technology, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable development. As the pilot project progresses, it aims to establish new standards in coal resource utilization, contributing to India's journey towards energy self-reliance, the release said.