+
India's First Commercial Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Plant
COAL & MINING

India's First Commercial Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Plant

In a landmark move set to redefine India's energy dynamics, Bhubaneswar Coal and Coke Limited (BCGCL) has announced the tendering process for the country's pioneering commercial Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) plant in Odisha. This initiative marks a significant stride towards enhancing self-reliance in the production of crucial industrial inputs, reducing dependency on imports, and bolstering indigenous industrial capabilities.

The proposed CAN plant holds the promise of leveraging India's abundant coal resources to produce ammonia and subsequently ammonium nitrate, essential components in fertilizers and explosives, thus catalysing growth across agriculture and defence sectors. With India being one of the world's largest coal producers, the convergence of coal and ammonia production stands as a strategic move towards vertical integration, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and fostering economic resilience.

The envisioned plant underscores the government's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable industrial development, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India. By tapping into the potential of domestic coal reserves, the CAN plant not only addresses the nation's energy requirements but also paves the way for value addition and diversification within the coal sector, thereby creating new avenues for employment and economic prosperity.

Furthermore, the establishment of India's first commercial CAN plant signifies a paradigm shift in the traditional use of coal, transitioning from mere energy generation to high-value industrial applications. This diversification mitigates the environmental concerns associated with conventional coal-based industries by utilising advanced technologies for cleaner production processes and emission controls, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals.

Key stakeholders across industries are closely monitoring the developments surrounding the BCGCL's ambitious project, recognising its potential to reshape India's industrial landscape and contribute significantly to the nation's economic growth trajectory. As the tendering process progresses, stakeholders anticipate heightened interest from domestic and international players, paving the way for strategic collaborations and investments in India's burgeoning coal-to-chemicals sector.

In a landmark move set to redefine India's energy dynamics, Bhubaneswar Coal and Coke Limited (BCGCL) has announced the tendering process for the country's pioneering commercial Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) plant in Odisha. This initiative marks a significant stride towards enhancing self-reliance in the production of crucial industrial inputs, reducing dependency on imports, and bolstering indigenous industrial capabilities. The proposed CAN plant holds the promise of leveraging India's abundant coal resources to produce ammonia and subsequently ammonium nitrate, essential components in fertilizers and explosives, thus catalysing growth across agriculture and defence sectors. With India being one of the world's largest coal producers, the convergence of coal and ammonia production stands as a strategic move towards vertical integration, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and fostering economic resilience. The envisioned plant underscores the government's commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable industrial development, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India. By tapping into the potential of domestic coal reserves, the CAN plant not only addresses the nation's energy requirements but also paves the way for value addition and diversification within the coal sector, thereby creating new avenues for employment and economic prosperity. Furthermore, the establishment of India's first commercial CAN plant signifies a paradigm shift in the traditional use of coal, transitioning from mere energy generation to high-value industrial applications. This diversification mitigates the environmental concerns associated with conventional coal-based industries by utilising advanced technologies for cleaner production processes and emission controls, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals. Key stakeholders across industries are closely monitoring the developments surrounding the BCGCL's ambitious project, recognising its potential to reshape India's industrial landscape and contribute significantly to the nation's economic growth trajectory. As the tendering process progresses, stakeholders anticipate heightened interest from domestic and international players, paving the way for strategic collaborations and investments in India's burgeoning coal-to-chemicals sector.

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?