NEW DELHI: At least two companies – state-run NTPC and public sector JV Talcher Fertilisers – have submitted applications under the Rs 37,500-crore surface coal and lignite gasification projects scheme, govt said on Saturday.It added that the coal ministry is also in touch with more prospective applicants who are at various stages of project preparation and finalising their applications.The ministry also dismissed reports suggesting that the scheme had failed to attract potential investors. “Given the significant scale and complexity of the projects envisaged under the scheme, prospective applicants are required to undertake substantial preparatory work, including preparation of pre-feasibility reports, assessment of technology options, identification of coal/lignite and other feedstock arrangements, evaluation of project economics and preparation of detailed project proposals. It is therefore expected that additional applicants may finalise and submit their proposals as the deadline approaches,” the ministry said in a statement.Aimed at promoting the conversion of domestic coal and lignite into higher-value products such as syngas, methanol, ammonia and urea, the scheme was approved by the Cabinet in May this year, while the coal ministry floated the request for proposal in July. The last date for submitting applications in the first round is Sept 7.The initiative is expected to catalyse investments of Rs 2.5-3 lakh crore across nearly 25 projects and generate around 50,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.India is aiming to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.Under the Rs 8,500-crore coal gasification scheme launched in 2024, eight projects with a combined capacity of nearly 22.6 million tonnes per annum have been approved. One project, being executed by Jindal Steel Limited, is under construction, while another, awarded to Talcher Fertilisers, is in the initial stages.
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“By facilitating greater utilisation of domestic resources for production of such value-added products, the scheme seeks to reduce dependence on imported feedstock and strengthen India’s energy and economic security,” the ministry said.
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