Coal Gasification

Why in news?

 

• The Coal Ministry announced that it is considering a comprehensive scheme to promote coal gasification projects for both government Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and the private sector with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crores.

 

About Coal gasification:

• It is the process of producing syngas, a mixture consisting primarily of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapour (H2O) - from coal and water, air and/or oxygen.
• During gasification, coal is blown with oxygen and steam while also being heated under high pressure.
• In this reaction, oxygen and water molecules oxidize the coal and produce syngas.
• Advantages
  • Coal gasification can help address local pollution problems.
  • It is considered a cleaner option compared to the burning of coal.
  • It will help in reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia and other essential product
  • This initiative holds the potential to alleviate the environmental burden by reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable practices, contributing to India’s global commitments towards a greener future.

 

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Q1) What is Coal?

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of carbon, along with various other elements and impurities. It is formed from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago in swampy environments. Over time, the plant material underwent chemical and physical changes, resulting in the formation of coal.

Source: Coal ministry to draw scheme for coal gasification projects worth Rs 6,000