Coal Gasification Workshop Explores Technology Pathways for India’s High Ash Content Coal
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 13: Climate Action
Institutions: NITI Aayog | Ministry of Coal
NITI Aayog convened a workshop on “Coal Gasification Technology for Indian High Ash Content Coal” on 2 September 2025, chaired by Dr. V K Saraswat. The session brought together government, academia, and industry stakeholders, including the Ministry of Coal, IIT Delhi, Fraunhofer IKTS, and companies such as BHEL, GAIL, and IOCL. The workshop aligns with the National Coal Gasification Mission, Make in India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, with the Ministry of Coal notifying a ₹8,500 crore Viability Gap Funding scheme to support projects.
India, with 378 billion tonnes of coal reserves, faces challenges due to its 25–45% ash content. Experts emphasized aligning technology choices with coal characteristics and recommended circulating fluidized bed gasification as the most suitable. Indigenous trials by IIT Delhi, Thermax, BHEL, and CIMFR demonstrated the viability of gasifying high ash coal. Discussions also highlighted scaling pilot projects, integrating CCUS, and industry-led technology development. With assured coal supply and dedicated policy support, India is positioned to advance cleaner coal utilization and reduce import dependence.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How can circulating fluidized bed gasification technology be scaled efficiently for India’s high ash coal while ensuring commercial viability and environmental sustainability?
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https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2163864