Govt Launches First Underground Coal Gasification Pilot in Jharkhand
COAL & MINING

Govt Launches First Underground Coal Gasification Pilot in Jharkhand

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.

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.

Next Story
Technology

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

Next Story
Real Estate

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?