Coal Gasification to bring in support to energy security of India – Industry Stalwarts at Gasification India 2026
New Delhi: As India accelerates the commercial deployment of coal and lignite gasification, the 17th Edition of Gasification India 2026 brings together policymakers, coal producers, project developers, technology providers, EPC companies, researchers and investors to shape the next phase of the nation’s industrial transformation, at a two day Conference being held in the Capital from Oct 22nd & 23rd, 2026.
“India is at a pivotal stage in advancing coal and lignite gasification, with policy support, industry investment and emerging projects creating new opportunities for domestic manufacturing, import substitution and value addition. The priority now is to translate policy intent into commercially viable projects by addressing financing, technology, feedstock quality and offtake challenges. Through the theme ‘Accelerating India’s Coal and Lignite Gasification Mission’, Gasification India 2026 aims to strengthen industry collaboration, facilitate investment and develop actionable solutions to accelerate project execution and build a competitive coal gasification ecosystem in India”, said Ashwinkumar Khatri, Director General, Mission Energy Foundation and Organiser of the 17th Edition of Gasification India 2026
Addressing the Inaugural Session, Amrit Lal Meena, Chairman, GTRC India (Gasification Technologies & Research Council of India), Former Secy, Ministry of Coal said, “The Union Government’s efforts since 2021 to promote coal gasification through the National Mission on Coal Gasification and subsequent policy initiatives in 2024 and 2026 are highly encouraging. The Government is extending significant support through capital incentives and feedstock availability. However, drawing on the experiences of countries such as China, South Africa and the USA, four key priorities need to be addressed to provide investors with greater confidence and ensure project viability”.
First, access to long-term financing must be strengthened through appropriate repayment moratoria, credit guarantees and predictable incentive disbursement. Recognising coal gasification projects as infrastructure under the National Infrastructure Pipeline could facilitate access to affordable credit and attract investment.
Second, bankable offtake arrangements must be developed through long-term purchase agreements with fertilizer, gas, chemical and steel industries. Where necessary, transparent offtake guarantees or price-stabilisation mechanisms could support initial projects.
Third, reliable and affordable feedstock availability must be ensured through enforceable long-term coal supply arrangements covering quantity, quality, pricing and delivery. Water, power and transportation infrastructure must also be secured before construction begins.
Fourth, a focused first wave of integrated projects should be fast-tracked through coordinated, time-bound support for land availability, statutory and forest clearances, and financial assistance. The proposed projects, where investor interest has already been established, require close handholding to translate investment intent into implementation.
It is heartening that work has commenced on the first three projects being implemented by Coal India and other PSUs. With surplus coal availability, policy support and an emerging ecosystem of researchers, technology providers, investors and end-users, India is well positioned to achieve its target of 100 million tonnes of coal gasification annually. The focus must now be on timely implementation, investor confidence and making coal gasification a success story for India.
“The Government’s sustained efforts have created widespread awareness about coal gasification. The focus must now shift to implementation. Coal India has undertaken three gasification projects in partnership with BHEL, GAIL and BPCL. As Managing Director of BCGCL, the Coal India–BHEL joint venture, I am pleased to share that construction has commenced and most tenders have been awarded”, said Peeyush Kumar, MD, BCGCL
Key priorities include optimising project costs, strengthening EPC capabilities and ensuring effective project management. Coal gasification offers significant potential for import substitution, particularly in urea production. However, reducing the ash content of Indian coal through washing must be factored into policy to lower costs and ensure viable returns, especially for initial projects.
“Going forward, we must explore new products, attract more investors and strengthen stakeholder collaboration. Platforms such as the Mission Energy conference can help address industry challenges and develop actionable recommendations to accelerate implementation and enhance India’s energy security”, added Kumar
Also, a report on “Coal Gasification for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ – Shaping the Next Industrial Revolution”, was unveiled by Alvarel & Marsal.
As an outcome of this conference, a policy paper will be prepared and the recommendations will be discussed with the government.
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