The government confirmed that India’s coal mines currently hold ample stocks to meet the demand for power generation. Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, emphasized the need for coal companies to maintain a steady supply amidst global uncertainties. To prevent cost burdens on consumers, Coal India Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited are absorbing higher costs.
An affordability-focused strategy has been implemented, with Coal India increasing e-auctions frequency in March to facilitate coal access for buyers. Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, highlighted the importance of coal gasification in enhancing India’s energy security and supporting industrial growth. This technology converts coal into syngas for producing cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilizers, and hydrogen.
Reddy announced the launch of the National Coal Gasification Mission aiming for 100 million tonnes of gasification by 2030. An incentive framework of Rs 8,500 crore has been introduced to back public and private sector projects, with significant investments already in progress. The utilization of advanced technologies like Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is also being explored for tapping into previously inaccessible reserves while minimizing environmental impact.
India’s growing economy necessitates a balanced energy strategy that harmonizes development with sustainability goals.
