Coal gasification and coal-to-chemicals pathways present significant opportunities for India to reduce import reliance, boost industrial growth, and promote decarbonization, as highlighted by Dr. VK Saraswat, former NITI Aayog member. Emphasizing the need for a shift towards clean coal technologies, he underlined the importance of energy security in India’s transition strategy. Dr. Saraswat also pointed out the substantial import bill of Rs 2.77 lakh crore for products like LNG, methanol, ammonia, and coking coal, advocating for leveraging coal gasification and coal-to-chemicals routes to lessen import dependence.
Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Coal, stressed the crucial role of innovation in India’s energy transition strategy. She countered the negative global narratives surrounding coal by emphasizing the need for India to align its energy pathways with its resource realities and developmental priorities. While acknowledging the centrality of renewable energy in India’s energy transition, Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Director of ACPET, highlighted that coal is expected to remain a significant component of India’s energy mix for the foreseeable future. He urged exploring how India’s abundant coal resources can contribute to energy security, economic growth, and achieving net-zero goals.
Dr. Debajit Palit, Centre Head at CRF’s Centre for Climate Change and Energy Transition, reiterated the strategic importance of coal for India’s energy landscape. Describing coal as “buried sunshine,” he stressed the necessity of balancing renewable resources with efficient utilization of domestic fossil fuels. Dr. Palit advocated for coal gasification as a means to advance both economic security and environmental objectives. The recent panel discussion brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to delve into the opportunities and challenges associated with scaling coal gasification and its downstream applications in India. Additionally, the event marked the release of two publications: a compilation of critical perspectives on coal gasification co-published by CRF and ACPET, and CRF’s issue brief, “Black Coal, Clean Molecule,” which explores the strategic case for coal-to-hydrogen pathways in India.
