The Government has set targets of 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030, with a total outlay of 85,000 crore rupees.

Replying during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Coal, Satish Chandra Dubey said that this initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to enhance energy independence and maximise the utility of its abundant coal reserves.

The Minister added that two projects, out of 7 gasification projects, will start soon in the country. He informed the House that this initiative will not only promise a cleaner way to use coal but also reduce India’s heavy reliance on imported commodities such as oil, methanol, and ammonia.

Mr Dubey said, through gasification, India will produce Urea and other Chemicals at an affordable rate, which will directly help farmers.

In 2020, the Coal Gasification Mission was launched, aiming to gasify 100 million tonnes to maximise the value and utility of this vital resource. Aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative supports the goal of achieving energy independence by 2027.

With India importing approximately 83 per cent of its oil, over 90 per cent of its methanol, and 13 per cent ammonia, coal gasification offers an opportunity to reduce reliance on imports and conserve foreign exchange, especially in the oil, gas, fertiliser, and petrochemical sectors.