METHANOL AND DIMETHYL ETHER
NTPC sole applicant in second round of coal gasification scheme
The second round of applications for the coal gasification scheme saw participation from only NTPC Ltd. In contrast, the first round attracted five companies, highlighting a change in interest levels. The scheme aims to reduce import dependence while supporting the production of industrial feedstocks from domestic coal. NTPC's involvement is considered a positive sign amidst limited interest from other firms.
NTPC submits two coal gasification project proposals under govt's Rs 37,500 crore scheme
NTPC Limited has submitted proposals to establish coal gasification projects for producing urea, methanol, and dimethyl ether. The Ministry of Coal announced that applications for the third round will open on November 10. January 11, 2027, is set as the deadline for these applications. The government's initiative aims to expand domestic production and support the broader use of indigenous resources.
View: As oil tops $100, India needs a wider, smarter fuel security strategy
Rising oil prices necessitate energy supply diversification and alternate fuel adoption. India is urging the auto industry for flexi-fuel vehicle timelines and promoting ethanol blending. Exploring iso-butanol and methanol blending offers further emission reduction and import substitution. Second-generation biorefineries are crucial for scaling up compressed biogas production. Strategic oil reserves and domestic exploration are also vital for energy security.
Coal ministry invites applications under gasification projects
The Coal Ministry has launched a new initiative to boost coal gasification projects. Companies can now apply for financial incentives to support the development of these projects. The scheme aims to produce 100 million tonnes of gasified coal by 2030. Eligible projects will receive significant financial support, encouraging investment in this crucial sector.
India's indigenous cooking gas alternative takes shape in Pune lab
Pune scientists are developing Dimethyl Ether, or DME, a clean fuel that can replace LPG. This homegrown alternative can be produced using Indian resources like coal and biomass. DME is similar to LPG and can be blended with it. This innovation promises to reduce India's reliance on imported fuels and strengthen energy security.
The other Ether-blend solution: How DME could ease India’s LPG crisis
India is embarking on an innovative journey by mixing dimethyl ether (DME) with cooking gas to lessen its dependency on imported LPG. This strategy utilizes the current LPG infrastructure, offering a smart and practical solution for enhancing energy independence.
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Pune-based scientists develop synthetic gas that can become an alternative to LPG
CSIR-NCL scientists have developed an indigenous technology to produce Dimethyl Ether (DME), a clean-burning fuel that can be blended with LPG. This innovation aims to reduce India's reliance on imported cooking fuel and bolster energy self-reliance. The technology offers a cost-effective way to produce DME, with potential for significant foreign exchange savings.

NCL, a central lab, proposes use of DME as indigenous substitute for LPG
India's National Chemical Laboratory is developing dimethyl ether, or DME, as a domestic cooking fuel alternative to LPG. This move aims to reduce reliance on imported fuel and save foreign exchange. DME can be used with existing LPG infrastructure. Scientists have developed a new catalyst and burner technology.

Indigenous alternative to LPG? Central lab looks to scale up DME pilot
Scientists said substituting LPG with DME would not require changes to existing infrastructure, including cylinders, gaskets, regulators, hoses or burners. DME can also be used independently with stoves specifically designed for it.

Regulatory framework for methanol economy is in works: VK Saraswat
Addressing the media ahead of the two-day International Methanol Seminar & Expo on October 17-18, NITI Aayog’s member VK Saraswat said the government will soon put in place a regulatory mechanism to aid production, transportation and storage of methanol as it focuses on enhancing production of alternative fuels. The move is aimed at helping India reduce dependence on fossil fuels, save on cost and substantially reduce emissions as the country targets to be Net Zero by 2070, he said.

Budget 2024: Rs 10,000 cr rooftop solar boost for 10 million families
The move will lead to savings of Rs 15,000-18,000 annually for each household from free solar electricity and selling the surplus under the programme, FM Nirmala Sitharaman said. With rooftop solar, charging of electric vehicles will be facilitated as well, she said.

Cabinet okays Rs 8500 crore for coal gasification
The Union Cabinet approves a ₹8,500 crore viability gap funding scheme for coal gasification projects. The funding will be given in three categories, including grants for government-owned projects and bids for public and private companies. The scheme aims to produce synthetic natural gas, dimethyl ether, and ammonium nitrate from coal.

4 projects for coal to clean energy conversion to help achieve 100 MT coal gasification by 2030: Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi
Gasification of coal is a process in which coal is partially oxidated by air, oxygen, steam or carbon dioxide under controlled conditions to produce a fuel gas.

National Policy on Biofuels 2018: Here are key things you should know
Adopting biofuels as an alternative source of energy can significantly improve farmers’ income, generate employment opportunities, reduce imports, augment waste to wealth creation, etc.

Nitin Gadkari pushes for leapfrogging into methanol economy
The government's key think tank, NITI Aayog is seriously exploring about deploying methanol as a possible way to achieve energy independence for India.

Dharmendra Pradhan asks PSUs to invest in startups
"ONGC has already offered Rs 100 crore for startups. Can we create a synergy in innovation and this kind of startup fund?" asked Dharmendra Pradhan.

Government may make methanol production from domestic coal a high policy priority
India’s annual requirement of methanol, which is mostly used in the chemical industry, is estimated at 1.35 million tonnes.
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