Exploring Alternative Energy Sources
Exploring Alternative Energy Sources
The Government has taken the following initiatives for the development of Coal Bed Methane (CBM):
Regarding Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), a pilot R&D project has been undertaken, for implementation in two phases, to establish UCG technology in Indian geological conditions at Kasta (West) coal block, Jamtara District in Jharkhand. Presently during Phase-I, project activity is being carried out for Site Characterization and Plant site selection.
The Government has taken following measures to address environmental concerns with coal mining, particularly regarding reforestation efforts and compliance with legal regulations:
Union Government is in collaboration with the coal-producing States to enhance coal availability and ensure an uninterrupted power supply to all States. To cater to the domestic demand, Government has formulated and finalized a long-term production roadmap, wherein coal production of 1.5 Billion Tonnes by 2029-30 has been envisaged with commensurate offtake. With the increase in production and offtake, Government intends to fulfill most of domestic demand of Power Sector.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
- To harness CBM potential in the country, the Government of India formulated CBM Policy in 1997, wherein CBM being Natural Gas is explored and exploited under the provisions of the Oil Fields (Regulation and Development) Act 1948 (ORD Act 1948) and Petroleum & Natural Gas Rules 1959 (P&NG Rules 1959) administered by Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG).
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Coal (MoC) and the MoPNG, to act in a cooperative manner for the development of CBM. As per the policy, the MoPNG became the Administrative Ministry and Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) was made the nodal agency for the development of CBM in the country. MoPNG in consultation with the Ministry of Coal (MoC) identified and offered CBM Blocks located in coal-bearing areas.
- At present total, 15 CBM Blocks are active. Out of these 15 Blocks, 6 are in production stage, 2 are in development stage and 7 are in exploration stage.
- Additionally, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has delineated Jharia CBM Block-I within the existing leasehold area for coal mining in Jharia Coalfield. The block is in exploration stage.