NLC India Renewables has incorporated a joint venture with National Capital Region Transport Corporation to develop 110 MW grid-connected solar PV projects in Uttar Pradesh, following the award of a captive solar project. According to Energetica India Magazine, this marks a significant expansion of NLC India's renewable energy portfolio beyond its traditional lignite operations. The partnership leverages NCRTC's infrastructure expertise to develop solar projects that will contribute to India's renewable energy targets while diversifying NLC India's energy portfolio.
NLC India Ltd (NLCIL) and Reliance Industries Ltd have signed an agreement to jointly explore developing an underground lignite gasification project in Gujarat. According to reports from Business Standard, the public sector undertaking has partnered with RIL to assess the feasibility and technical viability of converting lignite reserves through underground gasification. The collaboration aims to augment domestic gasified fuel supplies amid the global fuel crunch, with NLCIL holding two lignite blocks in Gujarat that would be considered for the project.
The preliminary technical studies for underground lignite gasification blocks with RIL are currently in progress. As reported by Business Standard, Reliance Industries was brought on board for its expertise in gasification technologies. The move is aimed at partially addressing domestic gas shortage exacerbated by the ongoing global fuel crisis. If successful, the project could provide a supplementary source of synthesis gas for industrial use and potentially strengthen energy security by reducing dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Underground lignite gasification converts in-situ lignite into synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and other gases, which can be used as fuel or as a feedstock in chemical and fertiliser industries. According to Business Standard, a senior industry analyst noted that the partnership with Reliance Industries, which has prior experience in gasification projects and downstream gas handling, could accelerate project development and de-risk technical challenges. The company is also planning to set up a lignite-to-methanol plant estimated at ₹4,394 crore at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, which is likely to be completed by next year.
The proposed lignite-to-methanol plant aligns with the Centre's coal gasification plan, a sustainable way of utilising fuel to meet ambitious net-zero plans. As reported by Business Standard, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore scheme this month to promote surface coal and lignite gasification projects, aiming to gasify around 75 million tonnes of coal. The scheme is intended to accelerate India's coal and lignite gasification programme and support the national target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. The initiative marks a major step towards strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on imports of key products such as LNG (more than 50% imported), urea (20% imported), ammonia (100% imported), and methanol (80-90% imported).
