Coal Gasification

Why in News?

Coal India Limited (CIL) is expanding beyond conventional coal mining by developing a diversified, technology-driven portfolio covering energy, minerals, advanced materials and research and development (R&D). Its Business Development portfolio is organised around five major platforms: coal gasification and coal-to-chemicals, thermal power, renewable energy and storage, critical minerals and advanced materials, and diversified minerals such as iron ore.

About Coal Gasification and Underground Coal Gasification

Coal gasification converts coal into synthesis gas (syngas), which can be used to produce synthetic natural gas, ammonia, urea, ammonium nitrate, methanol and other chemicals. It can help extract greater chemical value from coal and reduce dependence on imports of certain chemicals and energy products.

Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) involves converting coal deposits located deep underground or otherwise unsuitable for conventional mining into syngas without extracting the coal to the surface. Since UCG has not yet achieved widespread commercial viability globally, CIL is pursuing a phased pilot project at the Kasta West Block of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) to assess its technological and commercial potential.

Source: PIB

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