New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) Coal gasification projects worth more than Rs 65,000 crore are currently under execution in India, signalling that the government’s push to convert coal into chemicals, fuels and industrial feedstock is moving from policy planning to on-ground implementation, according to a senior official.

Speaking at recently organised event, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said the sector has witnessed an encouraging response from industry.

According to him, eight projects are already under implementation under the Rs 8,500-crore incentive scheme approved in January 2024.

The projects have received incentive support of Rs 6,233 crore and span sectors including coal-to-synthetic natural gas (SNG), ethanol, hydrogen, acetic acid, ammonium nitrate, DRI-based steel and sustainable aviation fuel.

The government is also finalising the request for proposal (RFP) under a larger Rs 37,500-crore incentive programme after placing the draft document in the public domain for stakeholder consultations.

Addressing the event, Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy said Maharashtra has emerged as a key centre for coal gasification, with five projects already under development in the state.

He noted that Maharashtra benefits from coal availability through Western Coalfields Ltd, along with strong industrial infrastructure and policy support, positioning it as a potential hub for coal gasification projects.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state is committed to creating an investment-friendly ecosystem for the sector and highlighted Mumbai’s historical association with coal gasification technology.

The government expects the coal gasification initiative to catalyse investments of around Rs 2.5-3 lakh crore across nearly 25 projects and aims to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.

The programme forms part of India’s broader strategy to reduce import dependence in fertilisers, chemicals and fuels while strengthening domestic industrial capacity and energy security.

–IANS

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