New Era Cleantech Begins Development of India’s First Integrated Coal Gasification and Carbon Capture Complex in Maharashtra

New Era Cleantech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has commenced the development of India’s first greenfield Integrated Coal Gasification and Carbon Capture Complex at Bhadrawati in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Spread across approximately 1,650 acres, the project involves an investment of ₹20,000 crore and aims to convert domestic coal into key industrial chemicals and fuels used in sectors such as fertilisers, mining, textiles and packaging.

Once operational, the facility will process more than five million metric tonnes of coal annually. In the first phase, the complex will produce ammonia, ammonium nitrate and mono ethylene glycol, with plans to expand into additional products including dimethyl ether (DME), urea, sustainable aviation fuel and ethanol in subsequent phases. The project was approved by the Government of Maharashtra in 2022 and supports the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening India’s domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

The development gains strategic importance amid disruptions in global gas supplies following tensions involving Iran and logistical constraints around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global LNG trade. The situation has underscored India’s vulnerability to external supply shocks for fuels such as LPG and LNG. By utilising domestic coal resources to produce essential industrial inputs, the Chandrapur complex is expected to help reduce reliance on imported chemicals, fertilisers and fuels while enhancing long-term energy security.

Speaking at the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said he was pleased to inaugurate the development of India’s first greenfield Integrated Coal Gasification and Carbon Capture Complex in Chandrapur and congratulated the company for the initiative.

Madhusudan Agrawal, Chairman of New Era Cleantech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., stated that the project demonstrates how India’s vast coal resources can be utilised responsibly to build a strong domestic industrial ecosystem. He noted that the integration of advanced coal gasification technology with carbon capture infrastructure would enable the production of critical chemicals, fuels and fertiliser inputs that are currently imported in large quantities. He added that the initiative would support manufacturing self-reliance while contributing to the development of a circular carbon economy by productively utilising captured emissions.

Balasaheb Darade, Managing Director of the company, said the project represents a major step in strengthening Maharashtra’s industrial ecosystem and advancing domestic manufacturing of critical chemicals and fuels. He noted that the Bhoomi Pujan marks the formal start of on-ground development activities, with the complex to be implemented in phases over the coming years.

Once operational, the project is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imported chemicals while supporting industrial growth and economic development in the Vidarbha region.