Ministry of Coal Showcases Roadmap for Surface and Underground Gasification at Mumbai Roadshow

Mumbai, September 13: The Ministry of Coal on Friday hosted a high-level roadshow in Mumbai to highlight opportunities in coal gasification — both surface and underground — as part of India’s drive to use coal more cleanly and efficiently. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and technology providers to accelerate adoption of gasification technologies aimed at reducing import dependence and unlocking new value from India’s vast coal reserves.

Delivering the keynote address, Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority at the Ministry of Coal, said India’s recent achievement of surpassing one billion tonnes of coal production marks a “landmark milestone” in the sector’s contribution to the country’s growth. She emphasised that while coal remains India’s predominant energy source, gasification will serve as a central pillar of the country’s energy transition and industrial expansion.

Brar underscored that gasification provides an environmentally friendlier way to utilise coal, enabling the production of cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and other value-added products essential for self-reliance. She urged stakeholders to scale up indigenous technologies, attract private investment, strengthen R&D, and align innovations with global best practices in decarbonization, the circular economy, and sustainable development goals.

The roadshow featured a detailed presentation on the benefits and methodology of coal gasification. Officials explained that the process converts coal into syngas — a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane and carbon dioxide — which can be used for electricity generation, fertiliser production, and as feedstock for hydrogen. Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), which converts deep, unmineable seams in-situ, was highlighted for its advantages of minimal surface disturbance, lower water usage, and the ability to produce cleaner fuels such as methanol, DME and synthetic natural gas.

As part of its action plan, the Ministry has initiated consultations with state governments, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, DGMS and the Central Ground Water Board to ensure robust safety and environmental standards. A dedicated committee has also been formed to update mining guidelines with UCG provisions and streamline approvals in upcoming coal mine auctions.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A where stakeholders engaged with officials on policy frameworks, technology adoption, and investment prospects. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to positioning coal gasification, including UCG, as a cornerstone of India’s energy security and sustainable growth strategy.