India is a traditional coal country, possessing >250 billion tonnes of coal, with >60% of energy needs being met through coal-based technologies. The concerns around the potential depletion of coal reserves in the foreseeable future have been abundant in recent times, alongside the focus on the environmental impacts of coal utilization. At least 30 % of Indian coal reserves are situation at a depth > 300m below the earth’s surface. Furthermore, the ‘rank’ or quality of Indian coals is usually low, with high ash content. Thus, the economical mining and utilization of this valuable, deep, coal resource is not feasible through conventional techniques.

Table: Indian coal reserves at various depths

(Khadse et al., 2007)

It is believed that UCG will play a unique role in enabling us to utilize these reserves. The norms & guidelines for the practice of UCG have been recently notified by the coal ministry (on July 13, 2009). It seems logical and evident that in the near future, UCG will emerge as a major clean coal utilization technology capable of providing significant impact in our country. Thus it is highly logical and justified to set up the plant in Gujarat which has abundant resources of unmineable coal available.