The
Orissa government's mega coal-to-liquid (CTL) project
is to be set up in Talcher, Orissa with an investment of about $8 billion
(Rs.800 crore) is facing a strong opposition from an inter-ministerial
group.
Three huge coal mines, Srirampur block with a capacity of 3,000 mln tpa ,
Ramachandi block 1,500 mln tpa and Palas Bani block 1,500 mln tpa, have been
identified for this project. It has been proposed to utilise one of these mines
to extract 30 mt of coal annually through underground operation to feed the
80,000 bpd capacity for the CTL project.
The
ministers are of the view that it
will create environmental problems in the area and put pressure on water
resources. The project on completion is likely to release a huge amount of ash
and carbon dioxide and it is doubtful if a foolproof technology can be put in
place for wholesome carbon sequestration to ensure an acceptable regime of
carbon-release. The plant will require a huge amount of water as well.
Also
See:
CTL bidders get common foreign technology partners