Dr. Farid A. Malik, Advisor to Sindh Government, has been a strong advocate for coal gasification technology as a solution for Pakistan’s energy needs, particularly in relation to the Thar coal reserves. Dr. Malik has consistently highlighted the potential of underground coal gasification (UCG) as an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendlier way of using Thar coal to produce synthetic gas.
Thar coal is currently primarily being used for electricity generation, with large-scale gas production still in its early stages or only under consideration. Most of the projects in Thar have focused on coal-fired power plants that convert the lignite coal directly into electricity through combustion. This approach has been favored due to existing technology and quicker deployment for meeting Pakistan’s immediate energy needs.
However, there has been growing interest in coal gasification for synthetic gas (syngas) production from Thar coal. This approach could expand the resource’s utility by creating natural gas alternatives, supporting industries reliant on gas, and reducing dependence on imported LNG. Currently, technical feasibility studies, pilot projects, and discussions about large-scale gasification projects are underway but are not yet widely operational.
Key Insights from Dr. Farid Malik’s Studies and Advocacy on Thar Coal Gasification
- Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) Focus:
- Malik has emphasized the underground coal gasification (UCG) method, which involves converting coal into gas without mining it. In UCG, coal seams are ignited underground, and the gases are brought to the surface through wells. This method can reduce surface disturbance, lower water use, and limit emissions compared to traditional mining and combustion.
- UCG is especially suitable for lignite coal, like that found in Thar, because lignite is generally less efficient when mined for combustion in power plants.
- Cost-Effectiveness and Independence:
- According to Dr. Malik, gasification could allow Pakistan to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG) at a fraction of the cost of imported LNG. He argues that, with the proper infrastructure, Thar coal can replace or supplement a large part of the country’s LNG imports, which are often subject to high international prices.
- Producing gas locally would also enhance energy independence, providing a stable and continuous supply of energy not affected by global market volatility.
- Environmental and Safety Advantages:
- Malik has pointed out that gasification, especially UCG, can reduce the environmental footprint associated with coal. Emissions and pollutants, including sulfur and mercury, can be captured before combustion, making it a cleaner option compared to traditional coal-fired power plants.
- UCG also has safety advantages, as it occurs underground, minimizing occupational hazards associated with mining and reducing the need for handling large quantities of coal at the surface.
- Strategic Recommendations for Pakistan:
- Malik has recommended that Pakistan adopt gasification technology on a large scale to fully utilize the 175 billion tons of Thar lignite coal reserves for national energy needs.
- He advocates for pilot projects to test the feasibility and scalability of UCG in the Thar coal fields, paving the way for commercial-scale projects if successful.
- He has also suggested that public and private sector stakeholders invest in training, research, and infrastructure development for UCG, as it could help overcome some of the initial technical and financial challenges.
- Pilot Project and Policy Advocacy:
- Malik’s work includes advocating for policies that would support coal gasification and UCG technology in Pakistan, as well as calling for international partnerships to bring expertise in UCG technology to Pakistan.
- He argues that a pilot project, followed by comprehensive studies on environmental impact, feasibility, and efficiency, could prove UCG’s potential and build confidence in expanding Thar coal’s utility beyond conventional coal-fired power.
Potential Benefits Outlined by Dr. Malik
Cost Reduction: Reduce reliance on costly LNG imports. The price of imported LNG fluctuated between $14 and $20 per mmBtu, he said, adding that the gas produced from Thar coal was estimated at around $7-8. The test results show that Thar coal has an ash content of around 18pc and an ash flow temperature range of around 1,325°C, which makes it suitable for gasification. The carbon reactivity is also high, which is typical of lignite coal. The expected pure gas yield is between 1,550-1,600 cubic metres per tonne, Dr Malik explained while referring to the new study.
Stable Supply: Enhance energy security by tapping into a vast local resource.
Cleaner Production: Offer a cleaner alternative for using coal reserves while minimizing emissions and pollutants.
Economic Impact: Create local jobs, stimulate regional development, and boost the economy.
While gasification of Thar coal has not yet been widely implemented, Dr. Malik’s studies and advocacy continue to influence discussions about Pakistan’s energy future, underscoring the need to consider innovative, indigenous solutions for sustainable energy production.