KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to approach the European Union (EU) to benefit from the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) in its quest to develop the Thar and Badin coalfields and overcoming the persistent energy crisis, Pakistan Today has learnt.
It would also seek the latest research data and information on the underground coal gasification technology from the EU that would assist in harnessing the coalfields.
Direct funding from the RFCS is restricted to EU member countries only. However, research and information can be shared with non-members and developing countries like Pakistan, sources added.
The provincial government is making the move after Coal and Energy Development Department Secretary Ajaz Ali Khan attended the fifth underground coal gasification projects international conference held recently in London.
Countries that participated in the international conference included Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Ukraine, the UK, the US and Vietnam.
Underground coal gasification is an emerging technology and a large number of countries are launching projects based on it.
The UK has granted at least nine licences for underground coal gasification projects during the last two years.
In a report submitted to the Sindh chief secretary, the Coal and Energy Development Department secretary has recommended that the Sindh government must engage with the Underground Coal Gasification Association (USGA) to gain access to the technology.
It was also recommended that the provincial government subscribes to the membership of the association so that regular interaction could take place. The sources said that the UCGA was the recognised representative body for the global coal gasification industry.
It is an independent and non-profit organisation focused on providing impartial and unbiased information and training on all aspects of underground coal gasification including carbon capture and storage.
Comprising almost 12,000 professionals, the UCGA has created a community for energy professionals, a scientific and technological base for industry and a global alliance of knowledge, expertise, training, networking and information of underground coal gasification.
