The government of India will auction coal blocks for private coal-to-gas, liquid and polychemical projects this financial year.
In an interview, Coal Secretary Susheel Kumar said, “My priority is very clear… coal-to-gas, coal-to- liquid, coal-to-polychemical (CTL). That is something which I want should move… I think very soon, in about two months, we should be coming out with some blocks to be offered to the private sector for these projects.”
The development takes on significance as domestic coal gas can help lower the country’s import bill by USD 10 billion in five years and cut carbon emission.
“So, Coal India will attempt all this from whatever coal mines they have. Second, fresh coal blocks would be auctioned to the private sector through competitive bidding for exploring coal to gas, liquid and polychemicals. We will auction the coal mine for these projects,” he added.
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