Coal India Limited (CIL) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the Centre for Sustainable Energy. The MoU was signed by CIL Director, Achyut Ghatak and Director of IIT Madras, V. Kamakoti, in the presence of senior officials from both 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.