Coal India subsidiary to appoint consultant for underground coal gasification

Kolkata, March 9 (IANS) The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Ltd (CMPDI), a subsidiary of Coal India, is planning to appoint consultancy firm for executing technical evaluation of blocks to undertake Underground Coal Gasification projects.

"CMPDI, on behalf of MoC (Ministry of Coal) intends to invite an Expression of Interest (EoI) for selection of suitable consultancy organisation.... EoI invited for technical evaluation of blocks for examining their suitability for undertaking Underground Coal Gasification (UGC) projects through global bidding for UCG development," the miner said in a tender document.

Underground coal gasification is a process in which coal is converted into combustible gas through a physic-chemical process.

The resultant syngas after cleaning can be used either as raw material for synthesis of liquid fuels and chemicals including fertiliser or as a fuel for electricity generation.

In December 2015, the central government approved a policy framework for development of underground coal gasification in coal and lignite bearing areas in India.

Subsequently, an inter-ministerial committee was constituted in January this year for identification of areas to be offered.

The committee also has the tasks for deciding about blocks to be put to bidding or awarding to PSUs on nomination basis, proposing mechanism for bidding process and other related matters.

Further, it will make recommendations for allotment of areas on the basis of bids received and evaluated for consideration of the coal ministry.

The miner's planning and design arm has been made nodal agency for development of underground coal gasification in the country.

(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)