The Ministry of Coal recently organized a pre-application conference for the Rs 37,500 crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects. The event saw active participation from various sectors, including public enterprises, private companies, and technology providers, showcasing significant interest in the government’s initiative to enhance the use of domestic coal in a cleaner and more valuable manner.
During the conference, the Ministry of Coal presented detailed information on scheme guidelines, the request for proposal, eligibility criteria, evaluation methodology, financial incentives, and the application process. Participants had the opportunity to seek clarifications on various aspects, all of which were effectively addressed.
Applicants were informed that the deadline for submitting proposals is September 7, 2026, urging all eligible entities to adhere to the specified timeline. The scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2026, aims to boost the development of surface coal/lignite gasification projects and promote the production of high-value downstream products like synthetic natural gas, ammonia, methanol, and more.
The initiative is projected to attract investments worth approximately Rs 2.5–3 lakh crore, utilize around 75 million tonnes of coal annually, and create about 50,000 job opportunities. Furthermore, it seeks to reduce India’s reliance on imported energy and chemical products significantly.
The Ministry of Coal’s efforts also included hosting a BRICS side event in June focused on clean coal technologies, emphasizing the role of coal gasification in enhancing energy security, industrial growth, and cleaner coal utilization. Coal gasification plays a vital role in converting coal into syngas, essential for producing various value-added products like ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels.
