As West Asia war threatens gas supply, remembering a gas grid India never built
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Infrastructure (energy, ports, roads, railways)· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The ongoing West Asia war-induced global energy crisis hasprompted a retrospective look at India's missed 1960s coal gasification plans and the current National Coal Gasification Mission.
Background
The National Coal Gasification Mission was launched in 2021 with a target to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. The mission involves a planned investment of Rs 85,000 crore to reduce reliance on natural gas imports.
Facts for Prelims
- SchemeNational Coal Gasification Mission: Launched in 2021 to reduce natural gas import reliance.
- FactTarget: Gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030.
- FactInvestment: Rs 85,000 crore allocated for the coal gasification mission.
- PostSyed Husain Zaheer: Proposed a coal gasification plan in the 1960s as director of RRLH.
For Mains
Q. Examine how coal gasification can serve as a strategic tool for India's energy security and transition towards a cleaner energy mix.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Energy security: Reducing vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts
- Technological transition: Balancing the use of domestic coal reserves with decarbonization goals
- Fiscal allocation: Assessing the viability of Rs 85,000 crore investment against long-term infrastructure benefits
Keywords: Energy Security · Coal Gasification · Import Substitution · Decarbonization · Strategic Autonomy
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