(T.H)
Reinforcing the government’s commitment towards green initiatives in the coal sector, state-run public sector undertakings (PSUs) Coal India (CIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) will collaborate for coal gasification as the Ministry targets 100 million tonnes (MT) by the end of this decade. “Coal Ministry aims to have 100 MT coal gasification by 2030 through sustainable utilisation. For this, CIL has taken up four projects, which were announced in the Union Budget for 2022-23 to help firm up technical and financial viability of these projects. Experts said that for coal gasification and carbon capture, India should bank on indigenous technology to make it reliable and affordable,” the Ministry said in a statement.
In August 2020, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said that India aims for 100 MT coal gasification by 2030 with ₹4 lakh crore investments. Setting up a plant is capital-intensive, and requires at least 48 months. With the limited experience, its crucial to ensure the success of initial projects for the national mission.