IIT Madras To Assist Coal India In Repurposing Coal Mines, Advancing Low-carbon Technologies

Chennai, Oct 23 (KNN) 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 institute. 

The Centre is envisioned as a hub for advanced research, innovation, and capacity-building in sustainable energy technologies. 

Supported by CIL’s funding and aligned with its diversification strategy, the Centre will focus on developing solutions for repurposing coal mines, advancing low-carbon technologies, and reimagining coal as a valuable resource within India’s clean energy ecosystem. 

The initiative reinforces a shared commitment to advancing India’s energy transition through indigenous technology and research, in pursuit of the nation’s net-zero targets by 2070.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, P.M. Prasad, Chairman, CIL, said that Coal India is evolving from being the country’s energy provider to becoming a key facilitator of its clean energy transformation. 

“This MoU marks a historic step in Coal India’s journey toward sustainable growth. Through this collaboration with IIT Madras, we aim to develop home-grown solutions that advance energy security, decarbonisation, and socioeconomic development,” he said.

V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, emphasised the importance of industry–academia collaboration in driving India’s low-carbon transition. 

Beyond research, the Centre will contribute to human capital development by supporting Ph.D., postdoctoral, and internship programs, nurturing a new generation of researchers and engineers equipped to lead India’s green energy transformation.

(KNN Bureau)