From Mines To Clean Energy: IIT Madras And CIL Partner To Reimagine Coal’s Future

In a major step toward advancing 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 a Centre for Sustainable Energy at the IIT Madras campus.

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 institutions.

The upcoming Centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and development in sustainable energy technologies.

Supported by CIL’s funding, it aligns with the company’s broader strategy of diversification and sustainable growth.

The facility will focus on developing low-carbon technologies, repurposing abandoned coal mines, and reimagining coal as a feedstock for clean energy solutions—aimed at contributing to India’s net-zero emissions goal by 2070.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CIL chairman Prasad 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.

IIT Madras director Kamakoti 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 emphasised.

Beyond research, the Centre will foster capacity building through PhD, postdoctoral, and internship programs, nurturing young researchers and engineers equipped to lead India’s green energy transformation.

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