Panel to speed up coal-to-liquid projects

The Indian government has constituted an inter-ministerial group (IMG) on coal-to-liquid (CTL) projects to ensure the speedy allocation of coal blocks. This will not only iron out any differences involving various ministries but would also evolve better guidelines for the technology. The IMG is expected to undertake detailed scrutiny of applications, It will evaluate the applications received for allocation of coal blocks and will obtain feedback from stakeholders. South Africa’s Sasol, Tatas have evinced an interest in getting into CTL projects in India, but the coal ministry is not too keen on allocating coal blocks to these entities. (June 5, 2008)