Promoting Clean Coal Technology: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy
In recent years, the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources has become increasingly critical due to climate change and environmental concerns. The Government of India has recognized this need and is actively promoting the use of clean coal technologies. This article breaks down the various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Coal to enhance the usage of clean coal technologies and the significance of these efforts.
One of the primary steps the government has taken is to support coal gasification projects. Coal gasification is a process where coal is converted into gas, which can then be used to produce energy with lower emissions compared to traditional coal burning. To encourage this practice, the government has introduced several policy initiatives:
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Revenue Share Rebate: In commercial coal block auctions, there is a provision for a 50% rebate in revenue share for coal used specifically for gasification purposes. This financial incentive aims to make coal gasification projects more economically viable.
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Non-Regulated Sector Linkage: The creation of a sub-sector under the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) linkage auction facilitates the supply of coal to gasification projects, further encouraging investment and development in this area.
In addition to these initiatives, the government has introduced an incentive scheme worth ₹8500 crore to promote coal and lignite gasification. This scheme provides Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support both public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private sector companies in developing gasification projects. This financial backing is crucial in making these technologies more accessible and feasible for implementation.
Another significant policy is the Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) Policy, which was notified in September 2016. This policy aims to maximize the utilization of hard-to-mine coal and lignite resources, ensuring that valuable energy resources are not wasted. The UCG process allows for the extraction of energy from coal deposits that are otherwise difficult to access, contributing to a more sustainable approach to coal usage.
The government has also been proactive in developing Coal Bed Methane (CBM) resources, which are natural gas resources found in coal deposits. The CBM Policy, formulated in 1997, established the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) as the nodal agency for CBM development in India. Recent modifications to this policy have granted exploration and exploitation rights of CBM to Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries, enabling more targeted development of these resources.
To further promote cleaner coal usage, the government is encouraging the beneficiation of coking coal through the establishment of coal washeries. These facilities clean coal before it is used, enhancing its efficiency and reducing environmental impacts associated with coal combustion.
While there is no specific measure for estimating Clean Coal Reserves, the total estimated coal resource in India as of April 1, 2024, stands at approximately 389,421.34 million tonnes. Additionally, the DGH estimates that the CBM resources in India are around 2,600 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM). Currently, 15 CBM blocks are active, with varying stages of production and development, covering an area of about 7,009 square kilometers.
Key points regarding the CBM potential in India include:
- Active CBM Blocks: Out of the 15 active blocks, 6 are in production, 2 in development, and 7 in exploration.
- Prospective Areas: There remains around 5,100 square kilometers of coal-bearing area yet to be examined for CBM potential.
- Exploration Initiatives: Specific blocks like the Jharia CBM Block-I are under exploration, with additional blocks delineated for future extraction.
In conclusion, the government’s initiatives to promote clean coal technologies are vital steps toward achieving a more sustainable energy landscape in India. By encouraging coal gasification, supporting CBM development, and investing in infrastructure like coal washeries, these efforts not only aim to reduce environmental impacts but also enhance the efficiency of coal usage. The key takeaways for readers are the importance of these initiatives in fostering a cleaner energy future and the significant resources available for further development in the clean coal sector.
