- Axis Energy and Reliance dominate coal gasification mine bids
- Government coal gasification auctions draw strong private interest
Hyderabad: Axis Energy Ventures India Pvt Ltd and Reliance Industries Ltd have emerged as the leading bidders in the latest round of coal gasification mine auctions, underlining strong private sector interest in cleaner energy production. According to details released after the opening of technical bids, the two companies jointly bid for a large number of coal blocks across multiple states as part of the government’s push to promote coal gasification.
The auction process aims to boost domestic coal gasification and support the production of cleaner fuels. Therefore, the participation of major energy players has drawn attention within the industry. Axis Energy, a Hyderabad based renewable energy firm, and Reliance Industries Ltd together bid for 17 coal blocks located in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. This reflects their strategic interest in coal gasification and downstream value added applications.
Meanwhile, several other companies also took part in the auction. Penna Enterprises bid for one block in Odisha. NRSK Mines and Minerals Pvt Ltd and Caliber Mining and Logistics Ltd bid for two blocks each. Sai Surya Professional Services Pvt Ltd, Singareni Collieries Co Ltd Telangana Power Generation Corp Ltd, and the consortium of MMPL Commercial Mines Pvt Ltd and Mohit Minerals Ltd were among the other bidders. However, Axis Energy and Reliance Industries featured most prominently across bids.
The Ministry of Coal had offered 41 coal mines in October as part of the 14th round of commercial auctions. Notably, this round included provisions for underground coal gasification for the first time. Of the 41 mines, 21 were identified as having potential for underground coal gasification. The move aims to promote coal gasification to produce cleaner fuels such as syngas, hydrogen and methanol. It also seeks to reduce India’s dependence on imported natural gas and crude oil.
A total of 49 bids were received for 24 of the 41 coal blocks. Bids were opened only for blocks that attracted participation from two or more bidders. Axis Energy and Reliance Industries were common participants in bids for key blocks in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, including Badibahal Kendudihi, Chhatabar Combined, Ustali, Recherla and Chintalapudi Sector A1. In several cases, the two companies also joined consortium bids with mining and logistics firms.
The government has set a target to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. Therefore, the outcome of these coal gasification auctions is expected to shape India’s coal gasification ecosystem and support investments in cleaner coal technologies. (Maxim News)
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