Mumbai: NTPC Limited has signed a pact with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to develop a Coal-to-Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) facility, marking a key step toward cleaner coal technologies and enhanced grid stability.
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The initiative will use high-ash Indian coal from NTPC’s captive mines to produce SNG — a cleaner fuel that can be used at NTPC’s gas-based power stations or for in-situ generation, said a statement on Friday. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and reduce emissions while maintaining reliable power supply during peak hours.
NTPC said the project aligns with the government’s vision to advance coal gasification and utilise domestic coal reserves more sustainably. Coal gasification is gaining traction as a pathway to reduce dependence on imported fuels and cut the carbon intensity of coal use by converting it into cleaner alternatives such as SNG and methanol.
NETRA, NTPC’s R&D arm, is leading the project under its “Greening the Coal” initiative, which focuses on carbon capture, utilisation, and cleaner coal-based technologies. The collaboration with EIL, a public-sector engineering consultancy, is aimed at developing integrated, indigenous solutions for India’s clean energy transition.
India’s largest integrated power producer, NTPC contributes about one-fourth of the country’s electricity requirement. It has an installed capacity of 84 GW and another 30.9 GW under construction, including 13.3 GW of renewable energy projects.
The company is targeting 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, in line with its commitment to support India’s net-zero goals. NTPC’s clean energy expansion spans solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power, along with emerging areas such as green hydrogen, battery storage, pumped hydro, and waste-to-energy.
The proposed coal-to-SNG facility is expected to complement NTPC’s renewable generation portfolio by providing flexible fuel-based capacity to balance intermittent renewable output and improve grid stability.
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NTPC said the partnership with EIL reflects its focus on technological innovation, energy diversification, and sustainable operations to ensure affordable and reliable electricity for India’s growing economy.
