In a pioneering move, the Ministry of Coal has initiated India’s inaugural pilot project for underground coal gasification in Jharkhand. Located at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, this innovative venture by Eastern Coalfields Limited aims to transform the coal industry. Rather than extracting coal, the process will occur underground, converting coal into valuable gases like methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. These gases can then be used to produce synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstocks, and more, potentially revolutionizing India’s energy sector.
Key Details of the Project
The pilot project, launched on June 22, 2024, is being implemented in two phases over two years. It is funded by the Coal India Limited Research and Development Board and executed in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) Ranchi and Canadian company Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc.
Objectives and Impact
The project aims to demonstrate the economic viability of underground coal gasification at the Kasta coal block. If successful, it could establish India as a leader in this field and pave the way for sustainable and efficient utilization of the country’s coal resources.
About Eastern Coalfields Limited
- Eastern Coalfields Limited, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, operates primarily in West Bengal and Jharkhand.
- Established during British rule in 1774, it has since played a significant role in India’s coal mining sector.
- The company’s headquarters are located in Sanctoria, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, under the leadership of Chairman cum Managing Director Samiran Dutta.
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