Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Coal India (CIL) have executed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 02 December 2024 in Mumbai.

The agreement focuses on jointly exploring the setting up of coal-to-synthetic natural gas (SNG) project through surface coal gasification at Western Coalfields (WCL).

This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of BPCL, a key player in the petroleum and natural gas sector, and CIL to contribute to India's energy transition goals.

Surface coal gasification is a process which converts coal into synthetic natural gas, a cleaner alternative to conventional coal-based energy.

The project aligns with India's focus on sustainable energy solutions and carbon emission reduction.

BPCL and CIL, both Maharatna public sector undertakings (PSUs) will under the MoU make a stride towards cleaner energy solutions by leveraging coal resources innovatively.