New Delhi: Having crossed the landmark of producing over 1 billion tonnes of coal in a year, the government on Friday said coal gasification will be the next big phase of India’s coal sector, aimed at cleaner and more efficient use of domestic reserves.
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Delivering the keynote address at a high-level roadshow on coal gasification technologies in Mumbai, Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal, called the achievement of 1 billion tonnes of coal production a “historic milestone” that underscored the sector’s pivotal role in powering India’s growth story.
She said the ministry is now positioning coal gasification — including surface and underground coal gasification (UCG) — as a central pillar of India’s energy transition and industrial expansion. “Coal remains the country’s most predominant source of energy and will continue to meet its growing requirements, playing an intrinsic role in driving economic growth and national development. Coal gasification provides an environmentally friendlier way to utilise domestic coal reserves while producing clean fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and other value-added products essential for national self-reliance — a pathway that also symbolises ‘giving back to Mother Earth’ by reducing the ecological footprint of coal use,” Brar said.
Officials at the roadshow explained that coal gasification converts coal into a synthetic gas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane and carbon dioxide. This syngas can be used to generate electricity, produce fertilisers and chemicals, and serve as feedstock for hydrogen production.
Underground coal gasification, which targets deep, unmineable seams, was showcased as a promising pathway for India’s clean fuel and hydrogen economy. UCG is said to offer significant environmental benefits, including minimal surface disturbance, less water use than conventional processes, and the ability to produce cleaner fuels such as methanol, dimethyl ether (DME) and synthetic natural gas (SNG).
Brar underlined the government’s intent to scale up indigenous technologies, strengthen R&D, and foster partnerships with private players to attract investments in coal gasification ventures. She urged stakeholders to align projects with global best practices in environmental protection, decarbonisation and circular economy principles to ensure long-term viability.
The Ministry of Coal said it has already held consultations with state governments, MoEFCC, the Directorate General of Mines Safety and the Central Ground Water Board to integrate safety standards and streamline approvals. A dedicated committee has been set up to revise mining plan guidelines and include UCG-specific provisions, which are expected to feature in the next round of coal mine auctions.
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The roadshow, attended by policymakers, industry leaders, investors and technology providers, highlighted the government’s strategy to combine record coal output with cleaner technologies. “By making coal gasification a key pillar of the sector’s next phase, the ministry is signalling its intent to extract greater value from India’s vast coal reserves in a more sustainable manner,” the statement said.