BRICS clean coal event highlights India’s push for cleaner coal technologies
Hyderabad: India highlighted its efforts to promote cleaner coal technologies and strengthen energy security during a BRICS clean coal event organised by the Ministry of Coal, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and international delegates.
Senior government officials, public sector enterprises, technology providers and representatives from Russia, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates attended the programme. The event focused on advancing cleaner methods of coal utilisation while supporting industrial growth.
Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal Sanoj Kumar Jha delivered the keynote address. He said advanced coal conversion technologies can support the production of ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, synthetic fuels, direct reduced iron and other industrial products. He added that these technologies can reduce import dependence and improve the use of domestic coal resources.
Jha reaffirmed the government’s target of processing 100 million tonnes of coal through advanced conversion projects by 2030. He said policy support, financial incentives, coal linkages and inter-ministerial coordination are helping drive progress in the sector. He also stressed the importance of cooperation among BRICS nations to accelerate technology adoption.
Industry and experts discuss future opportunities
During the BRICS clean coal event, BHEL presented developments in clean coal technology. Meanwhile, Jindal Steel Limited and Greta Energy shared updates on their ongoing projects and discussed opportunities for wider adoption across BRICS countries.
Eastern Coalfields Limited outlined the progress of the Kasta Underground Coal Gasification Pilot Project. In addition, the Nominated Authority explained policy measures and coal block allocation initiatives linked to underground projects. Coal India Limited also showcased its ongoing initiatives and coal linkage provisions.
Furthermore, experts participated in a panel discussion covering project economics, technology deployment, geological challenges and the utilisation of high-ash Indian coal. They also examined policy and financial measures required to expand clean coal projects.
The ministry said the event created a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and practical experiences among participating countries. It added that stronger collaboration can support energy security, industrial development and environmentally responsible use of coal resources.
