Centre Prioritising Energy Security With Coal Gasification

25 Jun 2026 CW Team

India has the fifth-largest coal reserve in the world, and the minister noted that electricity is generated from coal in about 73 per cent of thermal power projects across the country. He argued that maximising value from coal reserves can strengthen industrial competitiveness and provide feedstock for chemical and fertiliser industries. The policy shift is presented as a strategic response to global market volatility and energy security concerns.

The prime minister has laid the foundation stone for the Rs 250.16 billion (bn) Lakhanpur coal gasification project at Jharsuguda in Odisha, which the minister said represents a major step towards import substitution and industrial self-reliance. The project is framed as contributing to the vision of an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat by converting domestic resources into higher-value products. Officials expect the scheme to catalyse investment in associated infrastructure and downstream industries.

The minister also outlined the National Critical Mineral Mission as a complementary effort to secure vital resources at home and abroad, citing Neyveli Lignite Corporation's rare earth exploration in Tamil Nadu as an example. He noted that Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to support such initiatives and that these collaborations aim to ensure inclusive growth. The broader gasification push is described as a policy to bolster energy security while supporting industrial expansion.

Union minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the Centre is prioritising energy security through a strategic shift to coal gasification and has announced incentives totalling Rs 460 billion (bn) to support the effort. He said more than 35 companies will start coal gasification activities in India within two months and that the government is encouraging firms that bring technology to close the domestic technology gap. The minister described the initiative as aimed at reducing import dependence and developing indigenous capacity. India has the fifth-largest coal reserve in the world, and the minister noted that electricity is generated from coal in about 73 per cent of thermal power projects across the country. He argued that maximising value from coal reserves can strengthen industrial competitiveness and provide feedstock for chemical and fertiliser industries. The policy shift is presented as a strategic response to global market volatility and energy security concerns. The prime minister has laid the foundation stone for the Rs 250.16 billion (bn) Lakhanpur coal gasification project at Jharsuguda in Odisha, which the minister said represents a major step towards import substitution and industrial self-reliance. The project is framed as contributing to the vision of an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat by converting domestic resources into higher-value products. Officials expect the scheme to catalyse investment in associated infrastructure and downstream industries. The minister also outlined the National Critical Mineral Mission as a complementary effort to secure vital resources at home and abroad, citing Neyveli Lignite Corporation's rare earth exploration in Tamil Nadu as an example. He noted that Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to support such initiatives and that these collaborations aim to ensure inclusive growth. The broader gasification push is described as a policy to bolster energy security while supporting industrial expansion.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Aug 2026

Surya Roshni delivers customised lighting for NCRTC RRTS stations

Surya Roshni has supplied customised indoor lighting solutions for 18 elevated stations on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation's (NCRTC) Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), strengthening its presence in India's infrastructure lighting segment.The project involved the design and deployment of lighting systems for platforms, concourses, foot overbridges (FOBs) and back-of-house (BOH) areas. According to the company, the luminaires were developed specifically to meet NCRTC's design, operational and performance requirements rather than using standard products.Surya introduced two custo..

Real Estate

06 Aug 2026

Hilton debuts Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam

Hilton has opened NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam and expanding its lifestyle hospitality portfolio in Southeast Asia.Located along the Co Co River in Cam Thanh village, the 174-key resort provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach and the Cam Thanh Nipa Forest. The property has been designed by Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, incorporating biophilic architecture, locally sourced materials and riverfront landscapes.The resort offers a mix of guest rooms and suites, including family-frien..

Building Material

06 Aug 2026

Electrent expands lithium energy storage system portfolio

Electrent Energy has expanded its lithium-based energy storage portfolio with the launch of the ESS 850 and ESS 1050, targeting compact and maintenance-free power backup solutions for Indian homes.The new systems integrate a Home UPS and a LiFePO4 lithium battery into a single unit, extending the company's product range following the launch of its ESS 1350 and ESS 2500 models.Designed for apartments and smaller homes, the ESS 850 provides up to 1 hour 15 minutes of backup, while the ESS 1050 offers up to 1 hour 45 minutes on a typical 400 W household load. The systems can power essential appli..