18 Jul Coal Gasification
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Coal Gasification”. The topic “Coal Gasification” has relevance in the Science and Technology section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
About Coal Gasification?
For Mains:
GS 3: Science and Technology
Coal Gasification Process?
Way Forward?
Why in the news?
The Coal Ministry on Friday 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
The scheme aims to promote the utilization of coal gasification technology in India.
- It intends to harness the potential of natural resources and showcase the economic and technical viability of coal gasification.
- The goal is to attract both government PSUs and private sector participation, fostering innovation, investment, and sustainable development in the coal gasification sector.
Selection Process:
- The scheme will employ a competitive and transparent bidding process to select entities for coal/lignite gasification projects.
- Eligible government PSUs and private sector entities will receive necessary support and incentives to undertake coal gasification initiatives.
Significance:
- The scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices, contributing to global commitments for a greener future.
- It can alleviate the environmental burden associated with traditional coal-based energy production.
- Steel companies can benefit from syngas produced through coal gasification, reducing costs by replacing imported coking coal.
- Coal gasification can be used for electricity generation and the production of chemical feedstocks, fostering self-reliance in essential products.
Coal Gasification Process:
- Coal gasification involves partially oxidizing coal with air, oxygen, steam, or carbon dioxide to produce a fuel gas.
- The resulting gas, known as syngas, primarily consists of methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
- Syngas has diverse applications, including the production of fertilizers, fuels, solvents, and synthetic materials.
- It can be a substitute for piped natural gas and methane for energy production.
- Need for Promoting Coal Gasification Projects in India:
- Promoting gasification technology can reduce India’s reliance on imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia, and other essential products.
- The current dependency on imports for natural gas, methanol, and ammonia can be mitigated by utilizing coal gasification.
- It aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and can create employment opportunities.
- By reducing imports, coal gasification contributes to the nation’s development and energy security.
Way Forward:
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations of the environmental, economic, and social implications of coal gasification projects.
- Invest in research and development to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of coal gasification technology.
- Emphasize the development of a diversified energy mix, including renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable alternatives to coal-based energy production.
- Learn from global experiences and best practices in coal gasification and hydrogen economy implementation to ensure sustainable development.
Q.1 Which of the following statements accurately describe the key points of the scheme aimed at promoting coal gasification in India?
- The scheme aims to attract government PSUs and private sector participation in the coal gasification sector.
- It focuses on harnessing natural resources and demonstrating the financial and technical feasibility of coal gasification.
- The selection of entities for coal gasification projects will be done through a competitive and transparent bidding process.
- The scheme aims to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable practices in line with global commitments.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1, 2 , and 3 only
(b) 2 , 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) All of the above
ANSWER: D
Q.2 Which of the following statements accurately describe the significance and benefits of promoting coal gasification in India?
(A) Coal gasification helps in reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable practices, aligning with global commitments towards a greener future.
(B) It attracts government PSUs and private sector participation, encouraging innovation, investment, and sustainable development in the coal gasification sector.
(C) The selection of entities for coal gasification projects is done through a competitive and transparent bidding process, ensuring efficiency and accountability.
(D) Promoting coal gasification in India reduces dependence on imports of natural gas, methanol, and ammonia, contributing to India’s goal of becoming self-reliant and creating employment opportunities.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) A and B only
(b) B and C only
(c) A, C, and D only
(d) All of the above
ANSWER: D
Q.3 Discuss the significance and potential impact of promoting coal gasification in India on the country’s energy sector, environmental sustainability, and self-reliance goals.
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