SCCL officials will review coal gasification projects across India

A team of SCCL officials is scheduled to visit major coal gasification projects later this month to study their operations. | Photo Credit: AI generated image for representational purposes only

Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is exploring opportunities in the coal gasification sector as part of its strategy to transform into a diversified energy business. A team of SCCL officials is scheduled to visit major coal gasification projects, including the Talcher, MCL-BHEL and JSPL plants, later this month to study their operations.

According to SCCL CMD Buddhaprakash Jyoti, techno-economic studies are simultaneously being conducted to assess the feasibility of surface coal gasification projects in Bheemaram, Chennur South and Naini areas.

Engineers India Limited (EIL) has completed a feasibility study for setting up 400 tonnes per day ammonium nitrate at the Singareni Thermal Power Plant (STPP) site. However, it was found that the project’s return on investment was insufficient to make it commercially attractive.

To improve the viability of the proposal, SCCL is evaluating several options, including increasing the power plant capacity, securing Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the central government and adopting indigenous technologies, he said.

Meanwhile, SCCL has identified five deep-sea coal blocks in Bellampalli and Ramagundam regions as potential underground coal gasification (UCG) sites. Preparatory work, including drilling operations, is underway to commence the company’s first UCG pilot project in the Bellampalli Dip-side Block.

Published – 12 Jul 2026 19:31 IST