BHU will work on converting Coal into Methane

• 25 May 2023

Why in News?

According to the information received from the media on 23 May 2023, the Ministry of Coal has given the country's first ambitious project of its kind on green energy to the scientists of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Uttar Pradesh, under which scientists will work on converting coal into methane in its original condition inside the ground.

Key Points:

• In view of the energy crisis, the Ministry has given this important project on biomethanization of coal. Under this study, it will be seen how the organic method is effective in converting coal into 'methane' in in-situ (that natural and original condition, in which coal remains inside the ground) condition.
• This study will be done by Prof. Prakash Kumar Singh of Geology Department of BHU and Prof. Ashalata Singh of Botany.
• Pro. Prakash Singh and Prof. Ashalata Singh's team, in another project at DST, is studying how to reduce sulphur by biochemical techniques from sulphur-rich coal found in the Northeast of India and some other places. This can avoid the environmental damage caused by sulphur.
• Two results emerge from this study. Firstly, green energy can be obtained by converting coal into methane in the ground itself. Second, by stopping coal mining, the environment will also be saved from the adverse effects.
• Recently senior officials of CMPDI, Coal India visited BHU and learned about the details of the project.