Centre bets big on coal gasification; targets Rs 4 lakh cr investment

📌 Summary:

• The Union Ministry of Coal and Mines outlined an ambitious coal gasification push targeting Rs 4 lakh crore of investment
• Aims to save around Rs 3 lakh crore in foreign exchange and generate employment for nearly 1 lakh people
• Centre is prioritising both surface and underground coal gasification to reduce import dependence
• Process unlocks high-value by-products such as ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, fertilisers, chemicals and petrochemicals (announced by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy)

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 (economy – infrastructure, energy security, import substitution; environment – cleaner use of coal) – diversifying coal use beyond power towards chemicals and reducing the fertiliser/petrochemical import bill.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Coal gasification converts coal into syngas (a mix of CO and H2), which can yield methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and synthetic fuels
• Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) converts coal in-situ without mining it
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Coal and Mines

🔑 Key Term: Syngas (synthesis gas) – a fuel-gas mixture chiefly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced by gasifying carbon-rich feedstock such as coal.