Coal India, IIT Madras Launch Centre for Sustainable Energy

• Coal India and IIT Madras sign MoU to set up Centre for Sustainable Energy
• Centre to focus on repurposing coal mines, low-carbon technologies, and clean energy
• Initiative includes Ph.D., postdoctoral, and internship programs to train future energy experts

Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the Centre for Sustainable Energy at the institute.

Coal India IIT Madras have partnered to establish the Centre, advancing renewable energy research India and promoting clean energy initiatives.

The agreement was signed by Achyut Ghatak, Director (Technical), CIL, and V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, in the presence of P M Prasad, Chairman, CIL, along with senior officials from both organizations.

The IIT Madras energy centre will drive sustainable energy innovation, Coal India sustainability efforts, green energy collaboration, and foster an energy research partnership for sustainable technology India.

The Centre will function as a hub for advanced research, development, and capacity-building initiatives in sustainable energy technologies. Backed by CIL’s funding and aligned with its strategic diversification objectives, it will focus on repurposing coal mines, developing low-carbon technologies, and exploring coal as a feedstock for clean energy solutions.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to driving India’s energy transition through indigenous research, innovation, and technology development, contributing to the nation’s net-zero goals by 2070.

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Regarding the initiative, CIL Chairman P.M. Prasad highlighted the company's changing role from an energy company to a key supporter of India's clean energy transition.

He stated, "This MoU marks a historic step in Coal India’s journey toward sustainable growth. Through this collaboration with IIT Madras, Coal India aims to generate indigenous solutions that ensure energy security, decarbonization, and socioeconomic progress".

IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti said that collaborating with industry has always been front and centre to the institution's focus on supporting a low carbon economy.

"The partnership with Coal India epitomizes the institute’s commitment to this cause. Together, we aim to develop scalable and impactful solutions that support India’s sustainable energy future", he added.

The Centre will focus on human capital development through Ph.D., postdoctoral, and internship programmes as well, in order to develop the next generation of researchers and engineers to support India's green energy agenda.