1 hr ago
NTPC, Talcher Fertilisers Apply as Coal Gasification Scheme Begins
The Indian government wants companies to turn coal into a useful gas called syngas.
This gas can help make products such as methanol, urea and synthetic natural gas.
Talcher Fertilisers and NTPC have already applied to join the government’s program.
The Coal Ministry says it is too early to say that the program has no applicants.
The first application period will stay open until 7 September 2026.
The program has a budget of ₹37,500 crore and aims to support about 25 projects.
It also hopes to create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030.
More application periods will follow so companies have time to prepare their plans.
Talcher Fertilisers and NTPC have submitted applications for the coal and lignite gasification scheme.
The Coal Ministry rejected claims that the ₹37,500 crore scheme has attracted no applicants.
The first application window remains open until 7 September 2026, so participation cannot yet be assessed conclusively.
Approved on 13 May 2026, the scheme targets nearly 25 projects, 100 million tonnes of capacity and 50,000 jobs by 2030.
The scheme offers rolling application rounds because prospective developers need substantial time to prepare complex project proposals.
- Who
- Talcher Fertilisers and NTPC have applied; the Coal Ministry is overseeing the scheme, and Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has discussed industry participation.
- What
- The government is promoting projects that convert coal and lignite into syngas and other higher-value products.
- Where
- The scheme applies in India; stakeholder roadshows were held in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai.
- When
- The scheme was approved on 13 May 2026; its first application window remains open until 7 September 2026.
- Why
- The initiative aims to increase use of domestic coal and lignite, support value-added production and reduce dependence on imported feedstock.
Coal Ministry’s position
Skeptical reports
Whether the scheme has applicants
Coal Ministry’s position
The Ministry says Talcher Fertilisers and NTPC have submitted applications and that it is inappropriate to describe the scheme as having no takers while the first application window remains open.
Skeptical reports
Reports cited by the Ministry characterized the ₹37,500 crore scheme as having received no applications.
How participation should be judged
Coal Ministry’s position
The Ministry says participation should be assessed after the application process and subsequent rounds are completed, rather than through an interim assessment.
Skeptical reports
The reported lack of applications at the interim stage suggests limited participation so far, although the Ministry says the application period is not yet complete.
Why applications may take time
Coal Ministry’s position
The Ministry says large gasification projects require feasibility studies, technology assessments, feedstock arrangements, economic evaluations and detailed proposals, and expects more applications near the deadline.
Skeptical reports
The need for extensive preparation means companies have not yet submitted all potential proposals during the early stage of the scheme.
Key facts
- Scheme outlay
- ₹37,500 crore
- Applicants identified
- Talcher Fertilisers and NTPC have submitted applications
- First application deadline
- 7 September 2026
- Target projects
- Nearly 25 projects
- Target capacity
- 100 million tonnes of coal gasification capacity by 2030
- Employment target
- 50,000 direct and indirect jobs
- Expected investment catalysed
- Approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore to ₹3 lakh crore
Quotes
Coal Ministry
India’s Ministry of Coal, which issued the clarification about applications to the gasification scheme
“the number of applications received in the first round cannot be assessed or stated conclusively until the application window closes.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
Related news
India’s ₹37,500-crore Coal Gasification Scheme Draws No Applications
West Bengal Coal-to-Gas Project Begins Global Technology Selection
Coal Advisor Reviews India’s First Underground Gasification Pilot Project
Coal Gasification Gets Industry Push to Cut India's Import Dependence
Cabinet Clears Rs 23,731 Crore GOBARdhan Scheme to Boost Biogas
Axis Energy Wins Odisha Coal Blocks for Underground Gasification
Campaigners Challenge Barclays Financing of Rampal Coal Power Plant
Motilal Oswal Initiates Buy Coverage on Adani Power
Mission Samarthya Brings Smart Learning to Rural Rajasthan Schools
Engineers India Shifts Toward Higher-Margin Consultancy and New Energy Projects
