Coal Gasification
Source: PIB
GS III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development new technology
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Coal Gasification
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Coal has taken a significant step by issuing three draft Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to solicit feedback from interested Government PSUs and Private Investors for the establishment of coal gasification plants in India.
News in Brief
- This move comes in the wake of the Cabinet’s approval of a financial assistance scheme.
- Allocating ₹ 8500 crores for incentives towards this project, categorized into three categories.
Draft requests for proposals (RFPs)
- Category I: Allocates Rs. 4,050 crores to Government PSUs to support up to 3 projects, offering a lump-sum grant of Rs. 1,350 crores or 15% of the capital expenditure, whichever is lower.
- Category II: Rs. 3,850 crores are earmarked for both the Private Sector and Government PSUs, providing each project with a lump-sum grant of Rs. 1,000 crores or 15% of the capital expenditure. Additionally, at least one project in this category will undergo a tariff-based bidding process.
- Category III: Includes Rs. 600 crores for Demonstration Projects and small-scale Gasification Plants, offering a lump-sum grant of Rs. 100 crores or 15% of the capital expenditure to entities with a minimum Capex of Rs. 100 Crore and minimum production of 1500 Nm3/hr Syn gas.
About Coal Gasification
- Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into a synthesis gas (syngas) consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
- This process involves breaking down coal into its basic components at high temperatures and pressures in the presence of steam and a controlled amount of oxygen or air.
- The resulting syngas can be used as a fuel or as a chemical feedstock for the production of various products, including hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels.
- It has been used for over a century, with historical applications ranging from industrial heating and lighting to the production of town gas for residential use.
- Modern coal gasification technologies offer improved efficiency and environmental performance compared to traditional coal combustion methods, as they enable the capture and utilization of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
- Syngas produced from coal gasification can be cleaned to remove impurities such as sulfur and particulate matter, resulting in lower emissions of air pollutants and reduced environmental impact.
- Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants, which combine coal gasification with a gas turbine and steam turbine system, offer higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to conventional coal-fired power plants.
China is one of the leading countries in this technology and application. The country has invested significantly in coal gasification to address energy security concerns, reduce air pollution, and utilize its abundant coal resources more efficiently.
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