Ministry of Coal Hosts Mumbai Roadshow to Boost Coal Gasification Projects

Mumbai: The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, organized a roadshow on February 21, 2024, in Mumbai, focusing on promoting coal/lignite gasification projects nationwide. The event aimed to spotlight the government’s initiative to encourage these projects, recognizing their crucial role in shaping India’s energy landscape and fostering economic development.

M. Nagaraju, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event witnessed the participation of key figures such as the Chairman of Western Coalfields Limited, Director (Finance) of Coal India Limited, and Advisor (Projects) from the Ministry of Coal.

Attended by investors, industry experts, and stakeholders, the roadshow underscored the government’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the coal sector. The Ministry of Coal aims to attract investments and technological advancements in coal/lignite gasification projects through strategic initiatives and policy frameworks, aligning with India’s vision for a cleaner and more energy-efficient future.

In his Keynote Address, M. Nagaraju highlighted the significance of coal gasification in ensuring India’s energy security, emphasizing the diversified use of coal. He stressed that promoting coal gasification would contribute to import substitution and make the nation more self-reliant. The Additional Secretary also pointed out that this focus on coal gasification aligns with the socio-economic development goals of coal-bearing regions. He reiterated the government’s support for coal gasification, citing financial assistance schemes, coal linkages, and land allocation as examples, and urged attendees to invest in this technology for a greener and cleaner future.

Mukesh Agrawal, Director (Finance) of Coal India Limited, shared insights into the importance of coal gasification and the government’s efforts to achieve a self-reliant India in this field, aligned with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Shubham Goel, Vice President of SBI Capital Markets Ltd., the Project Management Agency for the Scheme, presented key details of the initiative for promoting coal/lignite gasification projects.

Jai Prakash Dwivedi, Chairman of Western Coalfields Limited, elaborated on CIL’s proactive initiatives and endeavors in the gasification realm. He emphasized CIL’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning the company as a key player in driving the transition towards cleaner energy solutions. Dwivedi highlighted opportunities in coal gasification and called on interested players with technological capacity to partner with CIL, contributing to a cleaner future and helping achieve the net-zero target by 2070.

Industry experts delivered presentations on various aspects of coal gasification, including financing, research and development efforts, and the importance of coal gasification for India’s energy security. The industry also submitted views on the scheme, prompting the Ministry of Coal to assure the publication of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the scheme in the public forum for stakeholders’ comments and feedback shortly.

In his concluding remarks, M. Nagaraju emphasized that this is the opportune moment for the country to diversify into cleaner coal technology, leveraging sustainable practices in the coal sector. He invited all industry stakeholders to participate actively in the scheme, collaborating to realize India’s energy aspirations through coal/gasification projects.

The Ministry of Coal encouraged all participants to engage proactively in the scheme and work collaboratively to achieve India’s energy self-reliance through coal/gasification projects.