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Coal Gasifiers Association of India organises international conference
Bhubaneswar: India’s energy self-reliance push gained momentum as the Coal Gasifiers Association of India (CGAI) brought together leading industry players, global experts and policymakers to discuss the future roadmap of coal gasification technology. The international conference titled “Challenges, Opportunities and New Technologies in Coal Gasification” highlighted how advanced coal conversion technology could become a key pillar of India’s energy security strategy and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by developing domestic production capabilities for critical industrial resources.
The conference focused on reducing import dependence, utilising India’s vast coal reserves and creating new opportunities in sectors such as steel, chemicals, fuels and industrial manufacturing.
The event witnessed participation from major organisations including Coal India, Mahanadi Coalfields, South Eastern Coalfields, GAIL, NTPC and Jindal Steel, along with international experts from Sri Lanka and Canada. Discussions focused on modern coal processing technologies, clean coal solutions, investment opportunities and global best practices in gasification systems.
Coal gasification is emerging as an important technology for India as it enables the conversion of coal into synthetic gas, also known as syngas, which can be further processed into chemicals, fuels, hydrogen, industrial gases and other high-value products. Unlike conventional coal combustion, gasification uses controlled chemical reactions to extract maximum value from coal resources.
India has one of the largest coal reserves globally, but domestic coal often contains higher ash content compared to international coal. Experts at the conference discussed advanced processing techniques and innovative gasification technologies designed specifically for Indian coal conditions.
More than 25 technical experts presented research papers and shared insights on high-ash coal utilisation, clean coal technologies, industrial applications and strategies to reduce dependence on imported raw materials.
A major focus of the conference was the Ministry of Coal’s Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme, which aims to support large-scale coal gasification projects by improving financial feasibility. Industry leaders discussed how government support, public-private partnerships and technology investments can accelerate the adoption of coal gasification across India.
Experts explained that financial assistance through the VGF mechanism could help overcome initial investment challenges and encourage industries to develop advanced coal-based projects.
One of the biggest highlights of the event was a field visit organised by CGAI to Jindal Steel’s integrated steel plant in Angul, Odisha. Delegates visited India’s first Coal Gasification-based Direct Reduced Iron (CGP-DRI) facility, where coal gasification technology is being used for steel production.
The Angul plant represents a significant milestone in India’s steel industry as it demonstrates the practical application of coal conversion technology in large-scale manufacturing. The facility is equipped with modern production systems, advanced automation technology and one of India’s largest blast furnaces.
Delegates studied the plant’s operations, expansion plans and technological advancements aimed at improving efficiency and resource utilisation. The CGP-DRI process provides an alternative approach for iron production by using gasification-based methods and reducing dependence on imported raw materials.
Industry leaders believe coal gasification can play a major role in strengthening the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by creating domestic supply chains for essential industrial products. The technology has applications across multiple sectors including energy production, steel manufacturing, chemical industries, synthetic fuel production, industrial gases and hydrogen development.
By increasing domestic production capacity, coal gasification could help India reduce its reliance on imported commodities and strengthen manufacturing capabilities.
However, experts also highlighted challenges related to technology adoption, infrastructure requirements, environmental management and project costs. The industry stressed the importance of continuous research and development, technology partnerships and supportive government policies to make coal gasification projects commercially viable and sustainable.
The conference was attended by senior industry representatives including Sanjay Singh, Advisor to Jindal Steel and President of the Coal Gasifiers Association of India, Dr A.K. Balyan, General Secretary of CGAI, coal gasification expert and Vice-President Kapil Dhagat, and R.K. Singhal, Director of Business Development at GAIL.
Former Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy attended the conference as the Chief Guest.
The Coal Gasifiers Association of India is a professional industry organisation working towards promoting clean coal technologies, gasification infrastructure development and policy advancement in India. The organisation brings together industry leaders, technology providers and policymakers to encourage innovation in coal utilisation, improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported resources.
With India focusing on energy independence, domestic manufacturing and industrial growth, coal gasification is expected to remain a key technology area in the country’s future energy and economic strategy. Industry stakeholders are now looking at faster implementation of projects, stronger policy support and greater investment to expand the coal gasification ecosystem across India.
