CIL, IIT Madras to develop solutions for repurposing coal mines, create low-carbon tech

New Delhi: In a significant step towards advancing India’s clean energy transition, Coal India Limited (CIL) has entered into a strategic collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish a “Centre for Sustainable Energy” at the premier institute.

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect has been signed at Coal India’s corporate office in Kolkata by Achyut Ghatak, Director (Technical) of CIL, and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, in the presence of Coal India's Chairman P M Prasad along with senior officials from both organisations.

The newly proposed Centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and development (R&D) and capacity-building initiatives in sustainable energy technologies. Supported by CIL’s funding and aligned with the company’s strategic diversification goals, the Centre aims to develop innovative solutions for repurposing coal mines, advancing low-carbon technologies, and exploring pathways to reimagine coal as a key feedstock in India’s clean energy future.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment between CIL and IIT Madras to foster indigenous research, innovation, and technology-driven approaches that contribute to achieving India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070.

In addition to research, the Centre will also focus on human capital development through Ph.D., postdoctoral, and internship programs — nurturing a new generation of researchers and engineers equipped to lead the country’s green energy transformation.

The partnership marks a pivotal move by CIL towards broadening its role beyond conventional coal mining, reaffirming its intent to contribute meaningfully to India’s sustainable and self-reliant energy landscape.

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