Axis Energy To Invest Rs 300 bn In Underground Coal Gasification

06 May 2026 CW Team

The company said it plans to acquire expertise and engineering capabilities to carry out in situ gasification, and to engage with regulators and stakeholders as projects progress. Initial activity will focus on site assessment and pilot wells prior to commercial deployment, the company added. Axis Energy expects a phased rollout but did not disclose a detailed timeline or the locations under consideration. The announcement follows increased industry interest in converting deep coal reserves to synthesis gas for power and industrial use.

The investment figure converts to 300 bn after standard crore to million conversion and is intended to cover capital expenditure, technology licensing and operational setup. Axis Energy indicated that the programme will target technical demonstration before scaling to commercial units and that it will adapt designs to local geology. The company suggested that UCG may offer an alternative route to utilise stranded coal resources while lowering surface disturbance compared with conventional mining. It also signalled plans to evaluate environmental safeguards and monitoring systems.

Industry analysts noted that UCG deployment requires careful regulatory oversight and robust risk management to address groundwater and subsidence risks, the company said it will work with authorities to meet standards. The firm indicated that successful commercialisation could supply synthesis gas for power generation and downstream chemical manufacture. Axis Energy portrayed the initiative as part of a drive to diversify fuel sources and enhance energy security.

Axis Energy will invest Rs 300 bn to develop underground coal gasification (UCG) projects, the company said, and will acquire proprietary technology to support in situ conversion of coal. The move represents a major commitment to commercialise UCG at scale and follows a strategic review of alternative fuels and feedstocks. The company said the funds will be deployed across technology acquisition, pilot development and scaling of operations. Axis Energy intends to position UCG as a component of its broader energy portfolio. The company said it plans to acquire expertise and engineering capabilities to carry out in situ gasification, and to engage with regulators and stakeholders as projects progress. Initial activity will focus on site assessment and pilot wells prior to commercial deployment, the company added. Axis Energy expects a phased rollout but did not disclose a detailed timeline or the locations under consideration. The announcement follows increased industry interest in converting deep coal reserves to synthesis gas for power and industrial use. The investment figure converts to 300 bn after standard crore to million conversion and is intended to cover capital expenditure, technology licensing and operational setup. Axis Energy indicated that the programme will target technical demonstration before scaling to commercial units and that it will adapt designs to local geology. The company suggested that UCG may offer an alternative route to utilise stranded coal resources while lowering surface disturbance compared with conventional mining. It also signalled plans to evaluate environmental safeguards and monitoring systems. Industry analysts noted that UCG deployment requires careful regulatory oversight and robust risk management to address groundwater and subsidence risks, the company said it will work with authorities to meet standards. The firm indicated that successful commercialisation could supply synthesis gas for power generation and downstream chemical manufacture. Axis Energy portrayed the initiative as part of a drive to diversify fuel sources and enhance energy security.

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