IndustrialPunch Desk : A joint team of Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI) and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) conducted a comprehensive review of the Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) Research & Development Pilot Project at the Kasta (West) Block on 25 June 2026. The project is being implemented collaboratively by CMPDI, ECL, and Canada-based Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI), with Phase-II currently in progress.
The review was led by Shri Satish Jha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), ECL, along with senior officials from CMPDI and ECL. During the session, Dr. Michael Blinderman, Director, Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc. (EETI), Canada, presented a detailed overview of the project’s current status.
He explained the Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology, the process of converting in-situ coal into syngas, and the ongoing engineering and operational activities under Phase-II.
Following the presentation, the delegation inspected key project facilities, including the monitoring station and operational infrastructure. The team also interacted with project engineers and technical experts to review progress, discuss technical challenges, and assess the readiness of the pilot project for the next phase of development.
Commending the progress achieved so far, Shri Satish Jha encouraged officials from CMPDI and ECL to deepen their technical understanding of UCG technology and continue strengthening their expertise. He emphasized that successful implementation of the pilot project could pave the way for the commercial deployment of Underground Coal Gasification in India, enabling the utilization of deep and otherwise unmineable coal reserves while supporting cleaner and more efficient energy production.
The UCG pilot project is considered a significant step in India’s efforts to explore advanced clean coal technologies, enhance energy security, and unlock the potential of inaccessible coal resources through innovative in-situ gasification techniques.
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