CONTENTS

1. Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative
2. Coal Gasification

Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative

Context:

Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has unveiled the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative.

Relevance:

GS II: Government policies and Interventions

Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative Overview

Proof of Concept (PoC):

• The initiative unfolds in two stages, beginning with an exploratory phase focused on creative exploration and clarity of vision, followed by a practical demonstration stage highlighting specific use cases.
• The ultimate goal is to create a future blueprint that can guide collaborative efforts in scaling and replicating successful strategies across future infrastructure projects.

Aim and Objectives:

• Sangam aims to showcase the practical implementation of innovative infrastructure planning solutions.
• The initiative seeks to establish a model framework fostering efficient collaboration and intends to provide a roadmap for scaling and replicating successful strategies in forthcoming infrastructure ventures.

Digital Twin Technology:

• Employing Digital Twin technology, Sangam creates virtual replicas of physical assets.
• This enables real-time monitoring, simulation, and analysis, facilitating experimental iterations and feedback loops to adapt dynamically for optimal outcomes.

Technological Integration:

• In the backdrop of technological breakthroughs in communication, computation, and sensing, Sangam integrates 5G, IoT, AI, AR/VR, AI-native 6G, Digital Twin, and next-gen computational technologies.
• This collaborative effort harnesses the collective intelligence of diverse entities, including public bodies, infrastructure planners, tech companies, startups, and academia.

Vision 2047:

• Aligned with the techade era’s vision for 2047, Sangam represents a collaborative leap in reshaping infrastructure planning and design.
• Breaking silos, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between conceptualization and realization, providing a platform for stakeholders to transform innovative ideas into tangible solutions and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in infrastructure.

Coal Gasification

Context:

The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, is set to host an Industry Interaction in Hyderabad aimed at fostering the development and proliferation of coal/lignite gasification projects across the nation.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Coal Gasification Overview

Process Description:

• Coal gasification is a chemical process aimed at producing syngas, a mixture comprising carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor (H2O).
• This process involves the interaction of coal and water, along with air and/or oxygen, in a gasifier—a high-temperature/pressure vessel.
• Through chemical reactions, the feed material transforms into syngas and ash/slag.

Utilization of Syngas:

• Syngas generated through coal gasification serves versatile purposes, including electricity production, application in energy-efficient fuel cell technology, and utilization as chemical “building blocks” for industrial processes.
• Additionally, the extracted hydrogen can contribute to fueling a hydrogen economy.

Environmental Benefits:

• The adoption of coal gasification is associated with several environmental advantages. It addresses local pollution concerns and is deemed cleaner in comparison to direct coal combustion.
• Furthermore, by reducing reliance on imports for natural gas, methanol, ammonia, and other essential products, coal gasification contributes to sustainability and aligns with global commitments for a greener future.

Potential Impact:

• Coal gasification has the potential to alleviate environmental burdens by curbing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable practices.
• Its multifaceted applications position it as a strategic approach to meet energy needs while advancing environmental responsibility in India’s pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future.