The Indian Ministry of Coal has opened applications for a ₹37,500-crore ($4.5 billion) incentive scheme aimed at accelerating coal gasification projects across the country.
The initiative seeks to boost domestic production of synthetic natural gas (syngas), offering a strategic alternative to imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) and reinforcing India’s energy security posture.
Proposals for the scheme must be submitted by September 7, with the government planning to announce the selected bidder on October 21.
The program represents a significant policy push to leverage India’s vast coal reserves for cleaner energy applications, potentially reshaping the domestic gas supply landscape over the coming years.
This move aligns with broader efforts to reduce India’s dependence on volatile global LNG markets.
By incentivizing the conversion of coal into syngas, the government aims to create a more stable and cost-effective feedstock for industrial and power generation needs.