Coal gasification key to energy security, says Kishan Reddy; mission targets 100 MT by 2030
Addressing the Bharat Electricity Summit on 22 March 2026, Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said coal gasification will cut import dependence, noting the National Coal Gasification Mission's target of 100 million tonnes by 2030 and a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework.
Summary
Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said coal gasification, which converts coal into syngas for cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and hydrogen, will be pivotal for energy security. He said India has nearly 400 billion tonnes of coal reserves, coal accounts for about 55% of the energy mix and nearly 74% of electricity generation, and annual demand is around one billion tonnes, while India remains committed to Net Zero by 2070. India imports about 83% of its crude oil, 50% of natural gas and over 90% of methanol and fertilisers. The National Coal Gasification Mission targets 100 million tonnes of gasification by 2030, backed by a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework, with investments of over ₹64,000 crore in the pipeline.
Key facts
- Mission
- National Coal Gasification Mission – 100 MT by 2030
- Incentive
- ₹8,500 crore framework
- Pipeline
- Investments over ₹64,000 crore
- Coal share
- ~55% of energy mix, ~74% of electricity generation
- Reserves
- Nearly 400 billion tonnes
- Import dependence
- ~83% crude, 50% gas, 90%+ methanol and fertilisers
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Coal gasification, promoted under the National Coal Gasification Mission, converts coal mainly into:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Syngas
Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which can be used to make cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and hydrogen.
What is the coal gasification target of the National Coal Gasification Mission for 2030?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 100 million tonnes
The mission targets 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030, with a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework.
Consider the following statements made by the Coal Minister on 22 March 2026: 1. Coal accounts for nearly 74% of India's electricity generation. 2. An incentive framework of ₹8,500 crore supports coal gasification projects. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: coal provides nearly 74% of electricity generation, and a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework supports public and private gasification projects.