Coal India Limited (CIL) has started implementing diversification initiatives, presumably due to the threat posed by the rising prominence of usage of renewable sources to lower coal demand.
CIL has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) for pre-qualification of licensors of coal gasification technology for setting up a coal-based Methanol plant. The state-run miner plans to convert low ash, high calorific value thermal coal into Methanol, used in a number of industries as a solvent, and also as a fuel.
To actuate the proposed project, CIL has selected its existing Dankuni Coal Complex in West Bengal, and good quality coal from the Raniganj coal field will be used as feedstock for the plant.
The proposed project also assumes significance in view of the mounting surplus coal stocks as production overtook demand. The surplus coal could be transformed into the valuable chemical to derive value.
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