In a pioneering move, the government announced that Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has initiated its first pilot project for underground coal gasification (UCG) in the Kasta coal block, Jamtara district, Jharkhand. UCG is an advanced method that converts coal still in the ground into a combustible gas, potentially revolutionizing power generation and other industrial uses.

"Under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Coal, Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) has embarked on an innovative pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara district, Jharkhand," the coal ministry said in a statement.

This initiative signifies the Centre's proactive efforts to diversify within the coal mining sector. By utilizing in-situ coal gasification, the project aims to produce valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These gases can then be transformed into synthetic natural gas, chemical feedstock for fuels, fertilizers, explosives, and various industrial applications.

The Ministry of Coal highlighted its commitment to promoting coal gasification projects, recognizing their potential to convert coal into a range of high-value chemical products.

The Kasta coal block was selected for implementing UCG technology tailored to India's unique geo-mining conditions. Managed by ECL in collaboration with CMPDI Ranchi and Canada?s Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc (EETI), the project spans two years and includes two phases. The first phase, which commenced on Saturday, involves preparing a technical feasibility report through borehole drilling and core testing. The second phase will focus on pilot-scale coal gasification.

Successful execution of this pilot project is expected to create transformative opportunities for the country's energy sector, potentially setting a new benchmark for sustainable and diversified energy production in India.