India's coal gasification scheme receives seven initial applications

India's Ministry of Coal has received seven applications in the first round of its Rs 37,500 crore scheme to promote surface coal and lignite gasification. The initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2026, aims to convert domestic coal into high-value products like syngas, methanol, ammonia, urea, and hydrogen to reduce import dependency on LNG and other chemicals.

Key applicants include Adani Enterprises, which submitted three separate applications for urea projects, and NTPC, which proposed a synthetic natural gas project. Other participants include Gallantt Ispat, applying for direct reduced iron and syngas; Shyam Sel & Power, applying for syngas; and Talcher Fertilisers, applying for a urea project.

The Ministry stated that the participation of large industrial houses and public sector undertakings serves as a “clear vote of confidence” in the nation's coal gasification mission. The submitted proposals will now undergo a detailed evaluation based on the scheme's guidelines and the Request for Proposal issued in July 2026.