What is coal gasification and why is India investing in it heavily?

The process of partially oxidizing coal with air, oxygen, steam or carbon dioxide to form syngas is called coal gasification

On November 3, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the biggest-ever coal mine auction of 141 mines in India. "A fast-growing economy like India needs greater investment in coal production and gasification projects. Globally, energy prices especially that of gas are going up." the minister said while launching the 6th round of coal mine auction by the Ministry of Coal.

While pointing out that the coal imports for the power sector have come down by 41 per cent, the finance minister said that 12 states will benefit directly from the auctioning of 141 coal mines. Complementing the coal ministry for