From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : Coal Gasification
Mains level : Benefits of Coal Gasification
- Recently Odisha’s Talcher fertilizer plant was awarded a contract for starting a coal gasification unit for the production of urea and Ammonia.
- The decision is geared towards reducing India’s reliance on imports and helping the country meet its CoP-21 Paris Agreement commitments.
What is Coal Gasification?
- Coal gasification is the process of converting coal into synthesis gas (also called syngas), which is a mixture of hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
- The syngas can be used in a variety of applications such as in the production of electricity and making chemical products, such as fertilizers.
- The coal gasification process holds good potential in the future, with coal being the most abundantly available fossil fuel across the world, and that even low-grade coal can be used in the process.
Why opt coal gasification?
- Urea is currently produced using pooled natural gas, which comprises of both domestic natural gas and imported LNG.
- The usage of locally available coal for making fertilizers would help reduce the import of LNG.
- The Ministry also said that India currently imports 50 to 70 lakh tonnes of urea every year, and that the revival of the units would help increase the availability of domestically produced fertilizers.
- The project’s environment-friendliness would help India in meeting its commitments under the CoP-21 Paris Agreement.