New Delhi: Coal India Limited announced its collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the “Centre for Sustainable Energy” at the IIT Madras. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed at the corporate office in Kolkata. The MoU was signed by CIL, Director (Technical), Shri Achyut Ghatak, and Shri V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, in the presence of Chairman, Shri P.M. Prasad, along with senior officials from both the organizations.
In a statement, the Ministry of Coal said that the Centre will focus on cutting-edge Research and Development in sustainable energy, with goals to develop low-carbon technologies, repurpose coal mines, and create innovative solutions to support India’s clean energy transition. It added that CIL’s funding will drive these initiatives as part of its strategy to diversify into clean energy solutions.
CIL Chairman P M Prasad said the partnership reflects Coal India’s transformation from being a traditional energy provider to a key player in India’s clean energy future. He stressed the importance of generating indigenous solutions to ensure energy security and support decarbonization. Director IIT Madras, V. Kamakoti also highlighted the significance of industry-academia collaborations in India’s low-carbon transition.
The Ministry further underlined that the Centre will also focus on developing human capital through Ph.D., postdoctoral, and internship programs to empower the next generation of researchers in green energy.
The Centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge R&D and capacity-building initiatives in sustainable energy technologies.
