CMD, ECL Inaugurates Working Display Model on Underground Coal Gasification
Sanctoria, June16 : In a significant step towards promoting advanced coal utilization technologies and enhancing awareness about future energy solutions, a Working Display Model on Underground Coal Gasification and its downstream utilization was inaugurated today at Eastern Coalfields Limited by Shri Satish Jha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director , ECL.
The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Shri Gunjan Kumar Sinha, Director , ECL, along with senior officials, departmental heads and employees of the company. The display model has been developed to showcase the scientific principles, operational process and future potential of Underground Coal Gasification technology, which is being implemented as a pioneering pilot project at the Kasta West Coal Block in Jharkhand.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Satish Jha emphasized the strategic importance of UCG in India’s energy landscape. He stated:
“Underground Coal Gasification represents the future of sustainable coal utilization in India. The technology has the potential to unlock vast deep-seated coal reserves that are presently inaccessible through conventional mining methods. As the nation moves towards greater energy security and self-reliance, UCG can play a transformative role by converting untapped coal resources into valuable energy and industrial feedstock.”
Highlighting the broader vision of the initiative, the CMD further remarked:
“The successful implementation of the ongoing UCG pilot project will open new avenues for clean and efficient utilization of India’s abundant coal resources. It can significantly contribute to power generation, fertilizer production, chemical manufacturing, synthetic fuels, and future hydrogen economy initiatives, thereby supporting the country’s long-term energy and industrial growth.”
The model provides a comprehensive visual representation of the UCG process, including underground gasification of coal, syngas generation and downstream applications. It also highlights the environmental and operational advantages of the technology, such as minimal surface disturbance, reduced occupational hazards and efficient utilization of deep coal reserves.
Coal India Limited’s flagship R&D initiative on Underground Coal Gasification is being jointly implemented by Eastern Coalfields Limited and CMPDI with technical support from ERGO Exergy Technologies Inc., Canada. The project aims to establish the techno-economic viability of UCG under Indian geo-mining conditions and pave the way for future commercial deployment.
The inauguration of the working display model reflects ECL’s commitment to innovation, technological advancement and sustainable development in the coal sector. The initiative is expected to serve as an important knowledge-sharing platform for employees, researchers, policymakers and stakeholders interested in next-generation coal technologies.