Coal gasification scheme open to private sector, govt to provide 30-year coal linkage: MoS Dubey
New Delhi, May 28
Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey on Thursday said the government's coal gasification scheme is fully open to private sector participation and assured investors of long-term coal linkage support to encourage large-scale investments in the sector.
Addressing a roadshow on coal gasification attended by Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, industry leaders, startups, researchers, PSUs and state government representatives, Dubey said the scheme has been designed to provide a "strong and secure foundation" for investments.
"This gasification scheme is completely open. Not only government companies, but private companies and the private sector can also participate independently or through joint ventures," Dubey said.
He added that the government is willing to support all stakeholders to accelerate the development of the sector.
"Anyone can also come forward by forming a consortium; the government wholeheartedly welcomes you," he said.
Highlighting the flexibility of the scheme, Dubey said the government is not tied to any specific technology and will support the most suitable and cost-effective solutions for Indian coal.
"In this scheme, we are not bound to any one specific technology. Whichever technique performs best and most cost-effectively on Indian coal, we will promote that technology," he said, while also referring to technologies developed under the Make in India initiative.
Dubey also stressed the need to develop coal gasification projects closer to coal production sites to reduce transportation costs and pollution.
"Wherever we produce coal, if we carry out gasification there itself, we can also control pollution to some extent," he said.
Seeking to address industry concerns over raw material availability, the minister assured investors that the government would provide long-term coal supply support for approved projects.
"We have ensured that, along with your project, you will receive a 30-year coal linkage. The government will provide it, and the coal ministry will provide it," Dubey said.
He further said that incentives provided under the gasification scheme would not impact benefits available under commercial coal mining policies.
"Whatever incentives you receive under this scheme will not adversely affect the benefits or rights available under commercial coal mining or any other entitlements," he added.
Calling for stronger collaboration between the government and industry, Dubey said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and a developed India by 2047 would require collective efforts from policymakers and entrepreneurs.
"For this, all of us must together build a strong ecosystem where government policies and entrepreneurs work hand in hand," he said.
Dubey concluded by urging industry stakeholders to actively participate in the coal gasification initiative and support India's energy sector growth.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I'm skeptical about the pollution control claims. Gasification projects near coal mines might reduce transport emissions, but what about the local air quality for nearby villages? The government needs to ensure strict environmental safeguards are in place. 😕
This is the kind of practical policy we need! Make coal work for us instead of importing everything. The 30-year coal linkage removes uncertainty for investors. If we can combine this with carbon capture technology, India could really lead in clean coal technology. 🇮🇳
As an energy researcher, this sounds promising but I wonder about the technology selection process. How will they determine what's "most cost-effective"? And what about the PSUs that currently dominate the sector? Are they truly ready to compete with private players on equal footing?
Atmanirbhar Bharat in energy makes complete sense! Our coal reserves are huge - why not use them smartly? Gasification produces syngas for fertilizers, chemicals and even power. This could boost multiple industries and create jobs in coal-bearing regions. Well planned policy 👏
The consortium option is interesting - this could attract global technology providers too. India needs to be careful not to create another subsidy-heavy sector though. The incentives should drive efficiency, not dependency. Keen to see the detailed scheme parameters when released.
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