Coal India & IIT Madras Join Hands to Establish Centre for Sustainable Energy
The Centre will also contribute to human capital development through Ph.D., postdoctoral, and internship programs
In a significant step toward advancing India’s clean energy transition, Coal India Limited (CIL) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish a “Centre for Sustainable Energy” at the premier institute.
The MoU 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 organizations.
The upcoming Centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, development, and capacity-building initiatives in sustainable energy technologies. Supported by CIL’s funding and aligned with its strategic diversification goals, the Centre aims to develop solutions for repurposing coal mines, creating low-carbon technologies, and reimagining coal as a valuable feedstock in India’s clean energy future.
Speaking on the occasion, P.M. Prasad, Chairman, CIL, said, “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, we aim to generate indigenous solutions that ensure energy security, decarbonization, and socioeconomic progress.”
Echoing this sentiment, V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, emphasized the importance of industry–academia collaboration in driving innovation.
“The partnership with Coal India epitomizes IIT Madras’ commitment to leading India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Together, we aim to develop scalable and impactful solutions that support India’s sustainable energy future,” he said.
In addition to research, 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.
This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to achieving India’s net-zero ambitions by 2070, through indigenous innovation, technological excellence, and sustainable development.
