The ministry of coal has initiated India’s inaugural pilot project for underground coal gasification (UCG) at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara district, Jharkhand. The project, overseen by Eastern Coalfields (ECL), aims to convert coal into valuable gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide through in-situ gasification.
The Kasta coal block’s geological and mining conditions make it an ideal location for deploying UCG technology tailored to India’s needs. In collaboration with the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in Ranchi and Ergo Exergy Technologies (EETI) from Canada, ECL will manage this two-year project, which will be executed in two phases.
The first phase, commencing on June 22, 2024, involving creation of a technical feasibility report through drilling boreholes and testing samples. The second phase will focus on pilot-scale coal gasification.
As reported by Projects Today, funded by the CIL R&D Board, the initiative underscores the partnership between ECL and Ergo Exergy as key implementing agencies. The project’s successful execution is anticipated to create transformative opportunities in the energy sector, promoting the sustainable and efficient use of coal resources.
