The Coal Ministry on Tuesday, November 10 announced the conclusion of Round 2 of the Rs 37,500 crore 'Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects', with two applications received, both from NTPC Limited, IANS reported. One application proposes the production of urea, while the other envisages methanol and dimethyl ether (DME).

Source: IANS via HiIndia

"The applications envisage the production of Urea, Methanol and Dimethyl Ether (DME), highlighting the potential of coal gasification in supporting domestic production of critical industrial products and diversifying the utilisation of India's indigenous resources," the ministry said, describing the response as a significant step towards advancing the objectives of the scheme.

Source: BizzBuzz (IANS)

Round 3 opens the same day

Building on the first two rounds, the Ministry of Coal has launched Round 3 of the scheme with effect from November 10, 2026, giving eligible entities another opportunity to submit proposals for coal and lignite gasification projects. The last date for submitting applications under Round 3 is January 11, 2027.

Rs 37,500 croreScheme financial outlay
2Round 2 applications, both NTPC
7Round 1 applications (September)
11 Jan 2027Round 3 application deadline
100 MT by 2030National coal gasification target

The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet on May 13, 2026 to accelerate surface coal and lignite gasification in the country, supporting the gasification of about 75 million tonnes of coal and lignite towards the national target of 100 million tonnes by 2030. Its first round, which closed on September 7, drew seven proposals — Adani Enterprises submitted three urea proposals, while NTPC (synthetic natural gas), Talcher Fertilisers, Gallantt Ispat and Shyam Sel & Power also applied.

In September, the ministry had refuted reports claiming the scheme had attracted no applications as "premature and incorrect", pointing to submissions by Talcher Fertilisers and NTPC through the online portal. What happens next: the Round 2 proposals will be evaluated under the scheme guidelines, while Round 3 applicants have until January 11, 2027 to file. The test for the programme remains conversion — turning applications into financed, operating plants that cut India's import bill for urea, methanol and gas.