Ministry of Coal Organizes Third Roadshow on Coal Gasification Scheme in Mumbai
The Ministry of Coal successfully organized the third Roadshow on the Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects in Mumbai on June 18, 2026, as part of its commitment to accelerating coal gasification and fostering greater industry participation in India's clean energy transition. The event witnessed participation from leading industry stakeholders, state representatives, technology providers, investors, coal companies, and sector experts.
Government Leadership and Vision
Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, serving as Chief Guest, highlighted Maharashtra's emergence as a frontrunner in coal gasification with five projects already under development. He noted that Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) produces about 70 million tonnes of coal annually, providing the resources for Maharashtra to become a major coal gasification hub. India possesses the world's fifth-largest coal reserves of over 400 billion tonnes, and is the world's second-largest producer and consumer of coal. Coal continues to meet over 70% of India's electricity demand and contributes nearly 55% of the country's energy mix.
National Coal Gasification Mission Targets
The Government has set an ambitious target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. Coal gasification enables the production of syngas, methanol, ammonia, ammonium nitrate, hydrogen, ethanol, urea, sustainable aviation fuel, DRI-grade reducing gas, and several other value-added chemicals that are currently imported in significant quantities. The draft Request for Proposal (RFP) has been placed in the public domain for stakeholder consultation.
Financial Incentives and Current Progress
Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, highlighted the ₹8,500 crore incentive scheme approved in January 2024. Under this scheme, eight projects involving investments of over ₹65,000 crore are already under implementation with incentive support of ₹6,233 crore. These projects cover diverse sectors including coal-to-SNG, ethanol, hydrogen, acetic acid, ammonium nitrate, DRI-based steel, and sustainable aviation fuel. The scheme is technology-agnostic, providing developers flexibility to adopt technologies suited to their feedstock and product requirements.
Maharashtra's Strategic Role
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis emphasized Mumbai's historical association with coal gasification dating back to 1862 and stated that the city is once again taking center stage in advancing this transformative technology. He described coal gasification as fundamental to India's energy security and reducing vulnerability to global geopolitical developments and supply chain disruptions. The Maharashtra Government has committed to providing a conducive investment ecosystem with availability of land, power, and supporting infrastructure.
Technical and Financial Framework
The Roadshow featured detailed presentations on the Scheme framework, eligibility criteria, bidding process, and the draft RFP. Air Products, Greta Energy, and NTPC presented technological advancements, project development strategies, and emerging opportunities. The Government of Maharashtra showcased its policy incentives for cluster-based development, while the State Bank of India shared insights on financing mechanisms for coal gasification projects. An interactive Q&A session addressed stakeholders' queries on project implementation, technology adoption, financing, regulatory provisions, and the bidding process.