Daily Current Affairs : 26-June-2024
India’s Ministry of Coal has taken a significant step closer to revolutionizing the coal industry with the launch of the country’s first pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in Jharkhand. This project is aimed at harnessing the potential of coal in a more sustainable and efficient way.
What is Coal Gasification?
Coal gasification is a process that transforms coal into valuable gases, such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. This is achieved by heating coal under controlled conditions, using air, oxygen, steam, or carbon dioxide. The result is syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Syngas can be applied for several important purposes:
- Power generation
- Production of methanol
- Fuel for industrial processes
The key benefit of coal gasification is that it offers a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional coal combustion. By converting coal into gas, the process can reduce harmful emissions and make better use of coal resources.
Government Initiatives to Promote UCG
To promote the growth of coal gasification, the Indian government has launched the National Coal Gasification Mission. The mission aims to achieve 100 million tons of coal gasification by 2030, making India a global leader in this technology. Additionally, the government has implemented various policies to support the sector:
- 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is now allowed in coal mining, encouraging global investments.
- The Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme has been introduced to support coal and lignite gasification projects by providing financial assistance.
These efforts are part of India’s broader strategy to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of coal extraction and usage. By promoting UCG, the government hopes to reduce the carbon footprint of coal-fired power plants and use coal more efficiently.
Important Points:
- India’s First UCG Pilot Project: Launched by the Ministry of Coal in Jharkhand to revolutionize the coal industry through Underground Coal Gasification (UCG).
- What is Coal Gasification?
- Converts coal into valuable gases like methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
- The process produces syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
- Syngas can be used for:
- Power generation
- Methanol production
- Industrial fuel
- Advantages of Coal Gasification:
- Provides a cleaner alternative to traditional coal combustion.
- Reduces harmful emissions and increases coal utilization efficiency.
- Government Initiatives:
- National Coal Gasification Mission: Aims for 100 million tons of coal gasification by 2030.
- 100% FDI in coal mining to encourage global investments.
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme to support coal and lignite gasification projects financially.
- Objective: The project and policies aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and make better use of coal resources.
- Future Outlook: The pilot project is a step towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and efficient future for India’s energy production.
Why In News
The Ministry of Coal has launched India’s first pilot project for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in Jharkhand, aiming to revolutionize the coal industry by introducing a cleaner, more efficient method of utilizing coal resources while reducing environmental impact.
MCQs about India’s First Underground Coal Gasification Pilot
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What is the primary objective of India’s first Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot project in Jharkhand?
A. To increase coal exports
B. To reduce coal consumption
C. To revolutionize the coal industry through a cleaner, more efficient method
D. To develop new coal mining technologies
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What is “syngas” produced through the process of coal gasification?
A. A mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen
B. A mixture of methane and carbon dioxide
C. A mixture of hydrogen and oxygen
D. A form of liquid fuel
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Which government initiative aims to achieve 100 million tons of coal gasification by 2030?
A. National Coal Mining Scheme
B. National Coal Gasification Mission
C. Clean Coal Technology Mission
D. Renewable Energy Development Mission
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What is the purpose of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme introduced by the Indian government?
A. To support renewable energy projects
B. To provide financial assistance for coal and lignite gasification projects
C. To improve coal mining technologies
D. To increase foreign investment in coal mining
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