NTPC And EIL Sign Agreement To Develop India’s First Coal-to-Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) Facility To Enhance Grid Stability And Support Clean Energy Transition

NTPC Limited, India’s largest integrated power utility, has signed an agreement with Engineers India Limited (EIL) to jointly develop a Coal-to-Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) facility. This collaboration represents a major step forward in NTPC’s efforts to enhance grid stability and ensure reliable power supply during peak demand hours through advanced clean energy technologies. The project also aligns with India’s broader energy transition goals by promoting cleaner coal utilization and reducing reliance on imported natural gas.

The proposed facility will use high-ash Indian coal sourced from NTPC’s captive mines to produce Synthetic Natural Gas, a cleaner fuel that can be used in NTPC’s gas-based power plants as well as for in-situ power generation. By adopting this technology, NTPC aims to make efficient use of domestic coal reserves while cutting emissions and contributing to the nation’s energy diversification strategy.

Coal gasification plays a crucial role in transforming India’s coal sector by converting coal into cleaner forms of energy. It enables the sustainable use of indigenous coal resources, reduces dependence on imported fuels, and lowers the carbon footprint associated with conventional coal-based power generation. Through this initiative, NTPC seeks to demonstrate the potential of gasification as a viable pathway toward a cleaner, self-reliant energy future.

The project will be spearheaded by NETRA, NTPC’s R&D wing, under its wider vision of “Greening the Coal.” NETRA is already at the forefront of developing technologies related to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and is driving several innovations to make India’s power generation more sustainable. The collaboration with EIL marks a major milestone in advancing indigenous technological capabilities for clean coal applications and reflects NTPC’s commitment to innovation-driven sustainability.

Currently, NTPC contributes nearly one-fourth of India’s total power generation, with an installed capacity of 84 GW and an additional 30.90 GW under construction. Of this, 13.3 GW represents renewable energy projects, reinforcing the company’s goal of achieving 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032 as part of its support for India’s Net Zero commitments.

With a diverse portfolio encompassing thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power, NTPC continues to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. Beyond conventional power generation, the company has also expanded into new and emerging sectors such as e-mobility, battery and pumped hydro storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power, and green hydrogen. NTPC is also actively participating in power distribution projects for India’s Union Territories, further strengthening its role as a key enabler of India’s clean and secure energy future.