India, Japan push for coal technology model

It's supposed to be highly efficient.

But the Indian-Japan model project is now riddled with delays.

Both countries are still unclear on the final completion date of the "highly efficient coal preparation technology" model project, which is underway in Odisha.

The countries have pushed for renewal of the MoU till June 2013 to have adequate time in hand to conclude balance activities.

The MoU, signed between the Ministry of Coal, Department of Economic Affairs, Monnet Ispat and Japan`s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, was last extended up to October 31, 2012, and will now be renewed for a period of 8 additional months.

The project, which was scheduled to be completed in October 2012, initially suffered a setback due to delays in procedures such as acquisition of a construction license and customs clearance.

The problems only mounted from thereon, and both Monnet Ispat and NEDO were caught up in a race against time to adhere to the project schedule.

The model project in the Angul district of Odisha was introduced with the objective of resolving energy and environmental hurdles through the widespread dissemination of highly efficient coal washing technology.