New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) The Ministry of Coal organised a BRICS side event on clean coal technologies focused on coal gasification’s role in supporting energy security, industrial development and cleaner utilisation of coal, an official statement said on Wednesday.

The event drew senior government officials, public sector enterprises, industry technology providers, and a BRICS delegation from Russia, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the statement from the Ministry of Coal said.

The event provided a platform for exchange of knowledge and experiences among BRICS countries and other stakeholders.

Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, highlighted the role of coal gasification in strengthening India’s energy security and supporting industrial development. Coal gasification enables the conversion of coal into syngas, used for the production of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, DRI and other value-added products.

Jha noted that the technology has the potential to reduce import dependence while promoting the efficient utilisation of domestic coal resources.

He also highlighted the progress being made through various coal gasification projects and stressed the importance of collaboration among BRICS countries in advancing clean coal technologies.

Central government remains committed to achieving the target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 through policy support, financial incentives, assured coal linkages and coordinated efforts across ministries.

Presentations were delivered by BHEL on coal gasification technology; Jindal Steel Limited (JSL) and Greta Energy on their coal gasification projects and the relevance of the technology for BRICS countries.

Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) presented the progress of the Kasta Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) Pilot Project, while the Nominated Authority highlighted coal block allocation and policy initiatives for UCG. Coal India Limited (CIL) showcased coal linkage provisions and the coal gasification projects being undertaken by the company.

An interactive panel discussion was held on various aspects of coal gasification, including technology, project economics, geological and processing challenges, utilisation of high-ash Indian coal, and the policy and financial support required for wider adoption of the technology.

—IANS

aar/pk