Indian government is likely to seek expertise from Russia and the US for its ambitious project to convert coal into gas as part of developing alternate energy sources.

Mr Sriprakash Jaiswal Coal Minister is planning to lead a high level delegation to both the countries in January and hold discussions with the experts there.

Mr Jaiswal told PTI that "After the winter session of Parliament, I am planning to visit Russia and the US with the purpose of giving impetus to our proposed coal gasification project. We will hold talks with interested parties there who have expertise in converting coal into gas.”

He added that both the countries have rich experience in such projects and collaborating with them would benefit India.

The delegation accompanying the minister will comprise of coal secretary Mr C Balakrishnan, Coal India Limited chairman Mr PS Bhattacharyya among other top officials from the ministry.

In July, the Coal Ministry had announced guidelines for Under Ground Coal Gasification restricting it for the companies with a minimum net worth of INR 200 crore and a competitive foreign technology partner.

(Sourced from Press Trust of India)