The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is exploring opportunities in coal gasification as part of a strategy to transform into a diversified energy enterprise. A team of SCCL officials is scheduled to visit major coal gasification projects later this month to study operations at Talcher, the MCL-BHEL pilot facility and the JSPL plant. The visits form part of a structured exercise to observe technology deployment and operational practices.

Simultaneously, SCCL has commissioned techno-economic studies to assess the feasibility of surface coal gasification projects in the Bheemaram, Chennur South and Naini areas. The studies are intended to evaluate technical design, feedstock requirements, logistics and potential commercial models. The work is being advanced through internal teams and external advisers.

During site visits officials will review process layouts, plant integration, control systems and material handling arrangements and will engage with plant operators and equipment suppliers to understand performance parameters. The delegation will also examine measures adopted for emissions control and waste management and options for integrating gasification products into downstream chemical and power applications. The objective is to build a practical knowledge base to inform project design.

SCCL chairman and managing director Buddhaprakash Jyoti said the company views coal gasification as a route to broaden its portfolio and to support cleaner utilisation of coal resources. He indicated that findings from the techno-economic studies and the site assessments will guide decisions on pilot projects and investment priorities. The emphasis will be on technical viability and economic returns.

The next phase will synthesise site observations with study outcomes to propose pilot locations, phased implementation plans and required partnerships. SCCL officials expect to present recommendations to the board following completion of field reviews and analysis. The company will then consider regulatory, environmental and commercial steps needed to move from assessment to execution.