Good response to coal gasification scheme

The government has received an enthusiastic response to the Financial Incentive Scheme aimed at promoting coal gasification projects, marking a significant milestone in India’s transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

The due date for submission of proposals for Category-I & III was on November 11, and the opening of technical proposal on November 12. There was robust participation from industry players, indicating growing confidence in the potential of coal gasification as a key enabler of India’s transition towards clean coal, an official press release said.

Five submissions were received—three in Category I (Government Public Sector Undertakings or Joint Ventures of PSUs) and two in Category III (Demonstration Projects/Small-Scale Plants). The level of engagement reflects the increasing recognition of coal gasification as a diversification strategy for the future of India’s coal sector.

Addressing the event, Ministry of Coal (MoC) Additional Secretary Vismita Tej underscored the significance of this initiative, highlighting that the robust participation in the scheme reflects the increasing enthusiasm for coal gasification, and the industry's commitment to investing in cleaner, more efficient technologies.

She assured participants that the MoC remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders and addressing any concern in its journey toward a sustainable future.

The Financial Incentive Scheme, supported by a substantial financial commitment of Rs 8,500 crore, is part of India’s broader strategy to achieve 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal gasification by 2030. This initiative is set to harness India’s vast domestic coal resource in a more environmentally responsible manner, contributing to the nation’s energy transition while advancing its climate goals.

Further, the submission deadline for Category II (Private Companies or Government Public Sector Undertakings) has been extended to January 10, 2025, and the MoC is actively seeking broader participation from stakeholders in this category to further strengthen the momentum of the initiative.