Coal India Limited (CIL), on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the “Centre for Sustainable Energy” at the IIT Madras. The MoU was signed by Shri Achyut Ghatak, Director (Technical), CIL, and Shri V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, in the presence of Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman, CIL, along with senior officials from both CIL and IIT Madras.
The Centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge R&D and capacity-building initiatives in sustainable energy technologies. Supported by CIL’s funding and aligned with its strategic diversification goals, the Centre will focus on developing solutions for repurposing coal mines, creating low-carbon technologies, and reimagining coal as a valuable feedstock in India’s clean energy future. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to leading India’s energy transition through indigenous research, innovation, and technology development to achieve the nation’s net-zero ambitions by 2070.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman, CIL, said that Coal India is transforming from being the nation’s energy provider to becoming a key enabler of India’s clean energy transition. “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,” he added.
Shri V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, stated that industry–academia collaborations have been a cornerstone of IIT Madras’ journey toward leading India’s transition to 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 emphasized.
The Centre will also contribute to human capital development through Ph.D., postdoctoral, and internship programs, nurturing the next generation of researchers and engineers to lead India’s green energy transformation.
