Coal gasification is a process that transforms Coal into a Synthetic gas (Syngas), consisting of a mixture of gases such as Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen (H2), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), and Water vapor (H2O). Coal is reacted at high temperatures (typically 1,000–1,400°C) with a controlled amount of oxygen and steam. Syngas can be used to produce a wide range of Fertilizers, Fuels, solvents, and synthetic materials.
- The Process is as given:
- Preparation: Coal is crushed into a fine powder to increase its surface area and enhance chemical reactions during processing.
- Gasification Reactor: The crushed coal is introduced into a high-temperature and high-pressure reactor along with limited oxygen or air and steam.
- Chemical Reactions: In the absence of sufficient oxygen for complete combustion, the coal undergoes a series of complex chemical reactions.
- These reactions break down the coal molecules into the components of syngas.
- Gas Cleaning: The raw syngas produced from the reactor contains impurities like tar, sulfur, and dust. These impurities need to be removed through a gas cleaning process before the syngas can be used further.
- Benefits of Coal Gasification:
- Cleaner Alternative to Coal Combustion: Coal gasification burns cleaner than coal for electricity. It captures pollutants before using the gas for power generation.
- Versatile Syngas Usage: The syngas produced can be used for various purposes, including electricity generation, production of cleaner fuels like hydrogen and production of chemicals like ammonia and methanol.
Note:
- The Government is promoting coal-to-chemical and gasification processes due to the expected surplus of domestic coal in the future after meeting the power and other sectors’ needs.
- India aims for 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal gasification by 2030 with investments worth over Rs. 4 lakh crores.
- In addition to VGF, the government is supporting the coal industry in 2 ways:
- Long-term linkage window: This creates a stable market for coal producers.
- Coal utilization for gasification: Coal mine owners can use their coal for gasification projects and get a discount on revenue sharing.
- Production of coal and lignite reached 1 billion tonnes in FY 2024. The target of 1.08 billion tonnes is set for the current fiscal year 2024-25.
- India has the fourth-largest coal reserves in the world, with reserves of 361.41 billion tonnes.
- Top 3 Coal Reserves: the US, Russia, and Australia.
- Top 3 Coal Production: China, India, and the US.
