Coal Gasifications: An Alternative Cleaner Resource Option for India

The world's coal reserves are abundant but unevenly distributed, with a concentration in a few nations. Indian proven coal reserves hold a ranking of 5^th in the world. However, India has taken a bold step to slowly phasing down the use of coal for its contribution to fighting against climate change. While it is crucial to shift towards sustainable options to fulfil energy demands, it could impact future socio-economic parameters like employment and the economic growth of the states linked to the utilization of coal. In this, coal gasification offers a vital solution and utilizes the coal reserves in an eco-friendly manner. Coal gasification is more efficient than conventional coal combustion and converts coal into synthetic gas (syngas), which can further be used to produce various chemicals and synthetic fuels such as ammonia, methanol, etc. In this context, this paper aims to provide a concise overview of the implementation of coal gasification techniques and various initiatives taken to accelerate their deployment globally and specifically in India. India's heavy reliance on oil and gas imports due to limited domestic production can be mitigated through coal gasification, which produces liquid hydrocarbons, methane (CH4), and syngas, ensuring fuel security. In technical considerations, adopting cleaner coal utilization techniques like coal gasification marks a significant advancement in India's pursuit of energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.