BCCL CMD Calls for Balanced Energy Transition at World Renewable Energy Technology Congress 2026
Manoj Kumar Agarwal says coal and renewable energy are complementary pillars of India's energy future; highlights BCCL's green mining initiatives and digital transformation
Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Manoj Kumar Agarwal participated as the keynote speaker at the 17th World Renewable Energy Technology Congress (WRETC-2026), held on July 1-2 at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi. The prestigious international conference was organized by the Energy and Environment Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
Themed “Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Solutions for a Green Economy,” the two-day congress brought together policymakers, energy experts, scientists, industry leaders, investors, academicians and researchers from India and abroad to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities in the global energy sector and sustainable development.
Coal and Renewable Energy Must Coexist
Addressing the gathering, BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal emphasized that India’s growing energy demand requires a balanced and pragmatic energy transition rather than an abrupt shift away from conventional fuels.
He stated that while rapid expansion of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, green hydrogen and bioenergy is essential for achieving climate goals, coal will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s energy security in the foreseeable future.
“Coal and renewable energy are not competitors but two strong pillars supporting India’s economic growth and energy security,” Agarwal remarked.
BCCL’s Strategic Role in Nation Building
Highlighting BCCL’s contribution to the country’s industrial development, Agarwal noted that the company produces prime coking coal, a critical raw material for the steel industry.
He pointed out that steel produced using coking coal is indispensable for building railways, metro systems, bridges, wind power installations, solar infrastructure and other large-scale development projects essential for India’s infrastructure growth.
Smart, Safe and Sustainable Mining
The BCCL CMD stressed that safe, smart and sustainable mining has become the industry’s foremost priority.
He said BCCL is leveraging advanced technologies including:
- Digital mine planning
- Drone-based surveying
- GIS mapping
- IoT-enabled monitoring systems
- Mechanization
- Modern mining technologies
These initiatives, he said, are significantly improving safety standards, operational efficiency and productivity across the company’s mining operations.
Strong Focus on Green Initiatives
Reiterating BCCL’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Agarwal highlighted several initiatives being undertaken by the company, including:
- Adoption of solar energy
- Rainwater harvesting
- Mine water recycling
- Deployment of energy-efficient equipment
- Large-scale plantation drives
- Land reclamation and rehabilitation
He expressed confidence that India’s future energy landscape would be driven by a balanced energy mix, where coal ensures energy security, renewable energy promotes sustainability, green hydrogen offers future growth opportunities and advanced technologies enhance energy efficiency.
Global Platform for Renewable Energy Innovation
The World Renewable Energy Technology Congress (WRETC) has evolved into one of the world’s leading platforms for discussions on renewable energy technologies, power utilities, transmission systems, e-mobility, bioenergy, biomass, biofuels, green hydrogen and renewable materials.
The 2026 edition showcased innovative technologies, emerging industry trends and collaborative initiatives aimed at accelerating the transition towards a greener economy. The accompanying exhibition featured cutting-edge green technologies, equipment, products and services from across the globe.
More than 100 CEOs and senior executives, over 350 national and international delegates, policymakers, financial institutions, strategic investors, industry experts, exhibitors and students participated in the event. The international conference also attracted more than 1,000 visitors, providing a valuable platform for exchanging global best practices and discussing the future of sustainable energy.
