With an expected expenditure of over ₹10,000 crore, NTPC would establish a coal-to-synthetic natural gas (SNG) plant in Chhattisgarh, a senior company official informed news agency PTI.
NTPC coal-to-SNG plant plan in Chhattisgarh
According to the official, the business is concurrently looking for technical partnerships for other processes, such as gasification and coal beneficiation, to create synthetic natural gas (SNG). In keeping with India’s energy transition objectives, NTPC seeks to create greener alternatives to traditional fuels by producing SNG at a cost of around $12 million British thermal units (MMBTU).
In October of last year, NTPC announced that it had reached a deal with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to establish a coal-to-synthetic natural gas (SNG) plant. The energy giant said that the plant will employ high-ash Indian coal from the company’s captive mines, but it did not provide any other information about the planned project, including its location.
Technology tie-ups and project background
⚡ NTPC Coal-to-SNG Project Highlights
- Investment: Around ₹10,000 crore
- Project Type: Coal-to-synthetic natural gas (SNG)
- Coal Source: NTPC captive mines
- Annual Capacity: 5 lakh tonnes of SNG
- Location: Talaipalli, Chhattisgarh
- Objective: Greener alternative to conventional fuels
According to PTI, NETRA, the R&D division of NTPC, is aggressively spearheading the initiative under its overarching goal of “greening the coal” and developing carbon capture and utilization technology. The senior official said that the facility, which would cost around ₹10,000 crore, will be established in the Talaipalli region of Chhattisgarh.
According to the news agency, the 5 lakh tonnes annual SNG plant will cover 150 acres and use 25 lakh tonnes of coal from NTPC mines in Talaipalli. The official said that the technology for the project is anticipated to be completed in the last quarter of FY26 and that the coal-to-SNG process entails a number of steps, including coal beneficiation, coal gasification, water gas shift, and coal methanation.
Capacity, location and process details
🏭 Coal Gasification: Uses & Benefits
- Core Process: Coal beneficiation and gasification
- Key Output: Synthetic natural gas (SNG)
- Other Products: Methanol, ethanol, ammonia
- Sector Use: Fertilisers and petrochemicals
- Energy Goal: Reduce fuel imports
- Environmental Impact: Lower emissions
NTPC is now in the advanced phases of many foreign partnerships. The business will begin preparing for additional needs, such as land, electricity, and water, as soon as that component is complete. Coal gasification has become a major facilitator of the sustainable use of indigenous coal reserves in recent years, which is cutting emissions and reducing reliance on imported fuels.
As the syn gas from coal gasification may be utilized to make synthetic natural gas (SNG), energy fuel (methanol & ethanol), ammonia for fertilizers, and petrochemicals, NTPC may also seek economic gains from the project, according to the news agency.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Chhattisgarh coal-to-SNG project of NTPC?
With a projected expenditure of ₹10,000 crore, NTPC intends to establish a coal-to-synthetic natural gas (SNG) plant in Talaipalli in Chhattisgarh to provide cleaner fuel alternatives using local coal.
2. How much SNG is the NTPC plant going to produce?
The planned facility would use around 25 lakh tonnes of coal from NTPC’s captive mines and have a capacity of 5 lakh tonnes of synthetic natural gas annually.
3. What technologies will the coal-to-SNG process employ?
Coal beneficiation, coal gasification, water gas shift, and methanation are all part of the process, and by the last quarter of FY26, technological tie-ups should be complete.
4. How does this initiative help India achieve its energy transition objectives?
In line with India’s clean energy and energy transition goals, the project seeks to lessen reliance on imported fuels, effectively use high-ash Indian coal, and minimize emissions.
5. What commercial applications may this project’s syngas have?
Coal gasification produces syngas, which may be used to make petrochemicals, methanol, ethanol, ammonia for fertilizers, and synthetic natural gas.
Conclusion
An important step toward the cleaner use of indigenous coal resources is the projected coal-to-SNG plant in Chhattisgarh by NTPC. With a ₹10,000 crore projected investment and cutting-edge gasification technology, the project offers significant economic advantages across many industries while supporting India’s energy transformation ambitions.
Disclaimer
This material is just for informative purposes and does not represent financial or investment advice. Before making any choices, readers are urged to confirm information from reliable sources.
