Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) and NTPC Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore opportunities in coal and lignite gasification and downstream utilization. The collaboration will focus on pilot projects for gasification of GMDC’s coal and lignite resources, assessing end-use applications of syngas, and establishing frameworks for joint commercialization. This strategic step aligns with GMDC’s commitment to innovation and greener energy pathways, leveraging NTPC’s expertise in large-scale energy systems.
Strategic Partnership for Energy Exploration
Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC), a state-owned enterprise of the Government of Gujarat, has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NTPC Limited, a Government of India Maharatna company. The agreement, announced on 26 February 2026, establishes a collaborative framework to explore opportunities in the gasification of coal and lignite resources, along with their subsequent downstream utilization.
Key Focus Areas of the MoU
The joint initiative is structured around four primary pillars designed to ensure systematic progression and feasibility assessment:
- Pilot Projects for Gasification: GMDC will spearhead pilot initiatives, covering both surface and underground coal and lignite gasification, to rigorously evaluate technical feasibility, operational parameters, and scalability potential.
- Exploration of End-Use Applications: NTPC will utilize its domain expertise to assess the techno-commercial viability and market opportunities for potential end-uses of the produced syngas across relevant industrial sectors.
- Joint Production and Commercialisation of Syngas: Successful outcomes from pilot initiatives will lead to the development of mutually agreed frameworks for the joint production, marketing, and sustainable commercialization of syngas.
- Development of a Time-Bound Action Plan: Both organizations will collaboratively formulate a clearly defined action plan to systematically drive the progression of this strategic initiative.
Strengthening the Gasification Roadmap
This MoU is set to complement GMDC’s existing efforts, which already include preliminary assessments for downstream product commercialization and engaging technical partners for detailed feasibility studies. The integration of NTPC’s expertise in large-scale energy systems and project implementation is expected to provide essential institutional momentum to GMDC’s overall gasification roadmap.
Management Commentary
Commenting on this milestone, Shri Roopwant Singh, IAS, Managing Director of GMDC, stated that the collaboration reflects GMDC’s dedication to innovation-led growth and optimal utilization of its mineral resources. He emphasized that exploring gasification technologies offers a greener pathway to creating greater value while actively supporting national objectives related to energy security and industrial development.
Source: BSE
