India’s first Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot project has begun in Jharkhand’s Kasta coal block in Jamtara. The initiative, led by Eastern Coalfields Ltd (ECL) with Canadian partner Ergo Exergy, aims to produce valuable gases like methane and hydrogen. It promises sustainable energy solutions and economic growth for the region.
India’s first-ever Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot project has commenced in the Kasta coal block of Jamtara district, Jharkhand. The initiative is being jointly implemented by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and Canada-based Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI), under the strategic guidance of the Ministry of Coal. The pilot project aims to extract methane and other valuable gases like hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide directly from coal seams without traditional mining. These gases will be utilized for producing synthetic natural gas, fertilizers, explosives, and other industrial fuels, marking a technological shift in coal utilization. According to experts, methane production at the site could continue for up to 40 years.
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Work began on 22nd June 2024, with borehole drilling and core sampling to prepare a geo-technical feasibility report. Within the next three years, a full-scale methane production plant is expected to be set up. The project is also expected to control underground mine fires and allow safer coal extraction in the future. Backed by the Coal India R&D Board, this project is a significant step towards energy self-reliance, employment generation, and regional development in Jharkhand. The Ministry of Coal has reiterated its full support, calling it a milestone in India’s push for cleaner and more efficient coal technologies. As the project progresses through its two-phase execution plan, it is set to transform not just the local economy but also India’s approach to coal resource management.
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