The Ministry of Coal organised a BRICS Side Event on Clean Coal Technologies with a specific focus on Coal Gasification on June 24, 2026. The event brought together senior government officials, representatives from public sector enterprises, industry participants, technology providers, and BRICS delegation members from Russia, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, delivered the keynote address emphasizing coal gasification's role in strengthening India's energy security and supporting industrial development. He explained that coal gasification enables the conversion of coal into syngas, which can be used for production of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, DRI, and other value-added products. The technology has significant potential to reduce import dependence while promoting efficient utilization of domestic coal resources.
The Government of India has committed to achieving the target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030 through comprehensive policy support, financial incentives, assured coal linkages, and coordinated efforts across ministries. Various coal gasification projects are already showing progress, and collaboration among BRICS countries is considered crucial for advancing clean coal technologies.
During the workshop, multiple presentations were delivered: BHEL presented on coal gasification technology; Jindal Steel Limited (JSL) and Greta Energy discussed their coal gasification projects and the technology's relevance for BRICS countries; Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) presented progress on the Kasta Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) Pilot Project; and the Nominated Authority highlighted coal block allocation and policy initiatives for UCG. Coal India Limited showcased coal linkage provisions and the company's ongoing coal gasification projects.
An interactive panel discussion covered various aspects of coal gasification including technology implementation, project economics, geological and processing challenges, utilization of high-ash Indian coal, and the policy and financial support required for wider technology adoption. The event served as a platform for knowledge and experience exchange among BRICS countries and stakeholders, highlighting coal gasification's role in supporting energy security, industrial development, and cleaner coal utilization.