Coal Gasification To Drive Energy Security, Reduce Imports: Minister

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Mar 23 (KNN) Coal gasification will play a central role in strengthening India's energy security, reducing import dependence, and supporting industrial growth, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy said on March 22 while addressing the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026.

Speaking to industry stakeholders, researchers, start-ups, and policymakers, the Minister emphasised the need for a balanced energy strategy that aligns economic growth with sustainability.

He noted that India's expanding economy continues to witness growth across manufacturing, infrastructure, digital connectivity, and innovation.

Highlighting the country's energy landscape, the Minister said India possesses nearly 400 billion tonnes of coal reserves-among the largest globally-with coal accounting for around 55 per cent of the energy mix and nearly 74 per cent of electricity generation.

With current annual coal demand at about one billion tonnes and projected to rise significantly by 2047, he underlined coal's continued relevance even as India pursues its net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Describing coal gasification as a transformative technology, he said it enables conversion of coal into syngas, which can be used to produce cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers, and hydrogen.

The approach, he noted, allows more efficient utilisation of domestic resources while strengthening economic resilience. He also pointed to India's import dependence, including around 83 per cent of crude oil, 50 per cent of natural gas, and over 90 per cent of methanol and fertilisers, underscoring the strategic importance of energy security.

To accelerate adoption, the government has launched the National Coal Gasification Mission, targeting 100 million tonnes of gasification by 2030. An incentive outlay of Rs 8,500 crore has been announced to support both public and private sector projects, with investments exceeding Rs 64,000 crore already in the pipeline.

The Minister also highlighted the potential of advanced technologies such as Underground Coal Gasification to access previously untapped reserves while mitigating environmental impact.

He called for greater collaboration among industry, academia, start-ups, and research institutions, noting that coal gasification has applications across sectors including power, oil and gas, and fertilisers.

Reiterating the government's commitment to facilitating growth, he said efforts are being made to streamline approvals and provide policy support and incentives to encourage investment.

The Minister expressed confidence that with continued innovation, development of indigenous technologies, and coordinated efforts, India can position itself as a global leader in cleaner coal technologies while advancing energy security, sustainability, and self-reliance.

(KNN Bureau)

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