Why in News?
The Union Cabinet approved a Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects with a financial outlay of ₹37,500 crore. The scheme targets gasification of 100 Million Tonnes (MT) of coal by 2030.
Key Facts for Prelims
- Financial Outlay: ₹37,500 crore
- National Target: Gasify 100 MT of coal by 2030
- Product: Syngas (synthesis gas) — versatile feedstock for fuels and chemicals
- India’s Coal Reserves: ~401 billion tonnes (one of world’s largest)
- India’s Lignite Reserves: ~47 billion tonnes
- Coal’s share in India’s energy mix: Over 55%
Why Coal Gasification? Import Substitution
| Product | Current Import Dependence |
|---|---|
| LNG | More than 50% imported |
| Urea | ~20% imported |
| Ammonia | ~100% imported |
| Methanol | ~80–90% imported |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| Gasification = combustion of coal | Gasification converts coal to syngas — a chemical process, not direct combustion |
| Target is 100 MT by 2025 | Target is 100 MT by 2030 |
| Coal’s share in energy is 30% | Coal accounts for over 55% of India’s energy mix |
| India has limited coal reserves | India has ~401 billion tonnes — one of the world’s largest |
Practice MCQs
1. Financial outlay of the Coal/Lignite Gasification Promotion Scheme?
a. ₹15,000 crore
b. ₹25,000 crore
c. ₹37,500 crore
d. ₹50,000 crore
Ans: C
The Cabinet approved the scheme with a financial outlay of ₹37,500 crore.
2. Coal gasification primarily produces?
a. CNG
b. Synthesis gas (Syngas)
c. LPG
d. Coal Tar
Ans: B
Gasification converts coal/lignite into syngas — a versatile feedstock for fuels and chemicals.
3. India’s national target for coal gasification by 2030?
a. 50 MT
b. 75 MT
c. 100 MT
d. 150 MT
Ans: C
India’s target is gasifying 100 MT of coal by 2030.
4. Coal’s share in India’s energy mix?
a. Over 30%
b. Over 40%
c. Over 55%
d. Over 70%
Ans: C
Coal accounts for over 55% of India’s energy mix.
5. Which import product is currently ~100% imported and can be substituted by coal gasification?
a. LNG
b. Methanol
c. Ammonia
d. Urea
Ans: C
India imports ~100% of its ammonia. Domestic syngas production can address this dependency.
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To know more about India’s coal gasification mission, Click here.
