+
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
Infrastructure Energy

Private Sector Builds India’s First Heavy Water Test Facility

In a major stride towards nuclear self-reliance, India’s first privately built test facility for upgrading depleted heavy water has been commissioned by TEMA India Ltd. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Rajesh V, Director – Technical, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), and Shri K. T. Shenoy, Director, Chemical Engineering Group, BARC. Developed under a technology transfer from BARC and a purchase order from NPCIL, the unit represents a landmark in public-private collaboration and supports the government’s Atma-Nirbhar Bharat initiative.Previously, critical testing for hea..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Coal Ministry Pushes Digital Drive With SWCS Training Session

In a bid to accelerate digital transformation in the coal sector, the Ministry of Coal conducted a hands-on training workshop and interactive session on the Exploration Module of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) on 25 July 2025. Held at Tagore Chamber, SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, the session aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the module’s functionalities and encourage its use for efficient exploration-related submissions and approvals.Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority (AS & NA), chaired the session and stressed the vital role digital plat..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Enhances Cyber Defences for Critical Infrastructure

The Government of India remains acutely aware of the cyber threats facing the country’s digital and physical infrastructure. Its policies are focused on fostering a safe, trusted, and accountable cyberspace for all users. Several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen cyber security across critical sectors such as power, transport, and banking, ensuring their continuous and secure operation.The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) undertake cyber security audits under the Information Technol..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?