Transitioning Towards a Green Planet

Dr. Anil Garg, the visionary CEO of the Energy and Environment Foundation, is at the helm of organizing the 15th World PetroCoal Congress (WPCC), the world’s only congress dedicated to the synergy of the petroleum, coal, and gas industries scheduled on April 15-16, 2025. s the event gears up for its 2025 edition, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Garg about the congress’s significant role in shaping global energy discourse and its upcoming focus on ‘Energy, Environment, Efficiency, Equity & Entrepreneurship for a Greener Planet’.

TFT: What is the theme and focus areas of the 15th World PetroCoal Congress & Expo-2025?

AG: The theme of the 15th World PetroCoal Congress is “PetroleumCoal-Gas: Transition Towards a Green Planet.” The focus areas of this international conference include:

• Coal Gasification
• Oil & Gas Digitization
• The role of modern technologies such as I and Big Data in hydrocarbon exploration, refining crude oil, and creating value added products, as well as their effective marketing.

TFT: How does this year’s event build upon the success of previous congresses, particularly the 14th edition?

AG: This year’s congress places greater emphasis on coal-to-gas conversion and the value addition of coal gasification products. In the gas sector, there is a significant focus on fostering a gas-based economy for sustainable development.

TFT: How does the World PetroCoal Congress contribute to the synergy between petroleum, coal, and gas industries?

AG: Clean and affordable power is essential. The integration of the petroleum, coal, and gas sectors focuses on leveraging new technologies and innovations, such as:

• Clean Coal Technologies
• Coal Gasification through Pyrolysis
• Clean Gases from Various Sources (e.g., coal bed methane). This synergy enables better energy resource management and supports sustainable industrial growth.

TFT: What role does the congress play in addressing global energy challenges and promoting sustainable practices?

AG: The congress focuses on reducing carbon emissions and targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 through the adoption of new clean and green technologies. These initiatives are deliberated during the sessions to address global energy challenges and to promote sustainability

TFT: Can you highlight some of the innovative technologies or solutions that will be showcased at the expo?

AG: The expo will showcase:

• Coal Gasification-Pyrolysis Technology: Converting coal into chemicals to add value to the energy value chain.
• Various hydrogen electrolytes used to produce green renewable hydrogen.

TFT: How does the exhibition component complement the congress sessions?

AG: The keynote speakers in various sessions deliberate on new technologies showcased in the exhibition segment. This integration helps attendees understand the practical applications of these technologies.

TFT: The previous congress had support from various government ministries. What level of government participation do you anticipate for the 2025 event?

AG: The 2025 event will have support from key government bodies, including:

• Ministry of Coal, Government of India
• NITI Aayog
• Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India officials and experts from these ministries will actively participate in this flagship event.

TFT: How do you ensure a diverse range of international participants and speakers for the congress?

AG: The congress attracts keynote speakers, CEOs, and delegates from around the world, including South Africa, Australia, K, S, E, Brazil, Japan, and more. This diversity fosters global collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

TFT: What networking opportunities will be available for attendees and exhibitors at the 2025 event? Networking opportunities include:

AG:

• B2B and B2C meetings in a relaxed environment.
• Dedicated platforms for business matchmaking to foster collaborations and partnerships.
• Informal interactions at the exhibition and social events.

TFT: Can you share examples of successful business matchings or collaborations that have resulted from previous congresses?

AG: Some notable outcomes include:

• Mos between the Energy and Environment Foundation and Canadian institutions such as Carleton University and Centennial College.
• Technology cooperation between an Indian steel manufacturer and a S-based technology company in the coal-to-gas sector
• A major company awarded five scholarships annually for five years to institutions in Delhi and Jaipur.

TFT: How does the congress address the balance between traditional energy sources and the growing emphasis on renewable energy?

AG: The congress focuses on traditional energy sources like petroleum, coal, and gas while integrating modern technologies to convert coal into value-added products. Additionally, there is a significant emphasis on:

• Green mobility and sustainable transportation (electric vehicles, biofuels, and green hydrogen)
• Promoting renewable green hydrogen for aviation, shipping, and heavy transportation.

TFT: What initiatives are in place to make the event itself more environmentally friendly?

AG: The congress takes several steps toward sustainability, including:

Paperless Proceedings: o paper-based materials; video recordings will be made available on the Energy and Environment Foundation website for free.

• Eco-Friendly Kits: Jute material kit bags for attendees.
• commitment to sustainability and net-zero goals at the foundation level.

TFT: Can you tell us about the Energy and Environment Foundation Global Excellence Awards that will be presented during the congress?

AG: The Energy and Environment Foundation Global Excellence wards were initiated in 2010 to honor global leaders in energy, water, and environmental sectors. Key highlights include:

• Recognizing outstanding contributions in areas such as petroleum, coal, gas, hydrogen, bioenergy, renewable energy, and environment.
• Awards are presented during the inaugural session.
• Additional awards include categories such as Global Sustainability Champion, Environment and Safety, Global CS, Global ESG, Global Green Hydrogen, Global Smart Mobility, and more.

TFT: How do these awards impact the industry and motivate innovation?

AG: The awards:

• Recognize excellence in innovation and sustainability in energy and environmental sectors.
• Encourage new ideas and technologies to tackle climate change and resource management challenges.
• Inspire industry leaders to strive for net-zero goals and promote sustainable practices.

TFT: Looking ahead, how do you see the World PetroCoal Congress evolving to meet the changing needs of the energy sector?

AG: The congress will adapt to the energy transition by:

• Focusing on green hydrogen, biofuels, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.
• Addressing the reduced reliance on fossil fuels and the rise of alternative energy sources.
• Introducing new events like the 4th Hydrogen Energy Summit (April 15-16, 2025), accessible to congress delegates without additional fees.

TFT: What long-term goals do you have for the congress in terms of its influence on global energy policies and practices?

AG: The congress aims to:

• Promote the integration of conventional and alternative energy sources to provide affordable and sustainable energy.
• Influence global energy policies to balance energy security with environmental protection.
• Encourage collaboration between governments, industries, and institutions for innovative solutions. The World PetroCoal Congress represents a small but significant step toward achieving this vision of smart energy for a sustainable future.