Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said the Union Cabinet has taken a “very important and timely decision” to promote coal gasification as part of India’s strategy to strengthen energy self-reliance amid rising gas demand and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Addressing a Cabinet briefing, the minister said India possesses sufficient coal reserves to meet requirements for nearly 200 years and is therefore focusing on converting coal into gas-based fuel alternatives.
Explaining the process, Vaishnaw said coal gasification involves crushing and preparing coal before heating it under very high temperatures and pressure inside a furnace. Instead of burning, the coal gets converted into synthesis gas, commonly known as “syngas.”
He said the syngas primarily contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen and can be used similarly to natural gas for multiple applications, including power generation and production of LPG-equivalent fuel.
According to the government, the move is aimed at reducing dependence on imported natural gas and strengthening India’s long-term energy security while utilizing domestic coal resources more efficiently.
The decision comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions affecting fuel prices and availability worldwide.
