Coal India and IIT Madras Partner to Establish Centre for Sustainable Energy, Pioneering India’s Clean Energy Future.
New Centre to Drive R&D, Human Capital Development, and Innovation in Low-Carbon Technologies and Repurposing of Coal Assets.
New Delhi:
In a major stride toward India’s clean energy transition, Coal India Limited (CIL) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the “Centre for Sustainable Energy” at IIT Madras. The agreement, signed today in the presence of senior leadership from both institutions, underscores a shared vision to transform India’s energy landscape through indigenous innovation and advanced research.
The MoU was formally signed by Achyut Ghatak, Director (Technical), CIL, and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, in the presence of P.M. Prasad, Chairman of Coal India, along with senior officials from both organizations.
A New Chapter in Energy Innovation
The Centre for Sustainable Energy will serve as a national hub for cutting-edge research, technology development, and capacity building in sustainable energy. The initiative is aligned with CIL’s broader strategy to diversify beyond coal and lead India’s transition to a low-carbon, energy-secure future, in support of the nation’s Net Zero goals by 2070.
Backed by CIL’s funding, the Centre will focus on:
- Repurposing abandoned or underutilized coal mines for sustainable applications
- Developing low-carbon energy technologies tailored to Indian conditions
- Transforming coal into a valuable feedstock for clean energy applications
- Enabling scalable innovations that align with India’s economic and environmental priorities
Leadership Voices
P.M. Prasad, Chairman of Coal India, described the initiative as a transformational step for the company and the nation:
“Coal India is evolving from being just the energy provider of the nation to becoming a vital enabler of its clean energy transition. This MoU marks a historic step in our 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.”
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasized the significance of industry-academia partnerships in driving climate action:
“Industry–academia collaborations have been a cornerstone of IIT Madras’ mission to lead India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Our partnership with Coal India reflects this commitment. Together, we aim to develop scalable and impactful solutions that contribute meaningfully to India’s sustainable energy future.”
Nurturing Future Talent
Beyond research and technology development, the Centre will also serve as a crucial platform for human capital development. It will offer:
- Ph.D. and postdoctoral programs
- Internships and training modules
- Skill-building opportunities for emerging researchers and engineers dedicated to green energy innovation
These programs aim to equip the next generation of talent to lead India’s transition to clean and secure energy systems.
Driving India’s Net-Zero Ambition
The partnership between Coal India and IIT Madras reflects a paradigm shift in how traditional energy players are reimagining their roles in the face of climate change. By fostering innovation and enabling sustainable practices, the Centre for Sustainable Energy is poised to become a model for responsible energy transition in India and globally.
This landmark collaboration reinforces the growing synergy between academic excellence and industrial scale, unlocking new possibilities for climate-resilient growth and energy innovation in the decades ahead.
