House panel to discuss coal gasification plan on Nov 19
Press Trust of India / New Delhi Nov 11, 2009, 19:09 IST
Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal will discuss on November 19 an ambitious plan on converting coal into gas with members of a Parliament committee.
The ministry has already announced guidelines for under-ground coal gasification restricting it for the companies with a minimum net worth of Rs 200 crore and competitive foreign technology partner.
"I will chair the meeting of Parliamentary Committee attached to Coal Ministry on November 19. I will seek views of members of the panel on coal gasification project which has been approved by the Prime Minister," Jaiswal told PTI here.
The government is looking at alternative sources of energy with lower carbon emissions. Coal gasification is an eco-friendly way of converting coal into synthetic gas which can be processed to produce fuels like diesel.
Jaiswal said the proposed project will also help in optimal utilisation of coal, reserves of which are predominantly found under green cover.
"Also, mining activities are generally obstructed by the problems in acquiring land. Theft of coal is also a pain in the neck. The project will address both the issues," he added.
The country has about 265 billion tonnes of estimated coal reserves, out which a little over 100 billion tonnes is minable. The project will seek to utilise more of the domestic coal reserves.
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