Bhubaneswar: A recent international conference in Bhubaneswar underscored the commercial value of coal gasification, positioning it as vital to achieving India’s goal of self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat. More than 25 experts presented papers examining practical solutions for utilising high-ash Indian coal and developing local manufacturing routes for strategic chemicals that currently rely on imports. Representatives from NTPC and Jindal Steel outlined ongoing projects that directly support the goal of reducing external dependence. Prominent figures at the conference included Sanjay Singh, Advisor to Jindal Steel and President of CGAI; Dr A.K. Balyan, General Secretary; Kapil Dhagat, Vice-President and coal-gasification specialist; and R K Singhal, Director of Business Development at GAIL.