Coal India, IIT Madras Sign MoU to Set Up Centre for Sustainable Energy

In News: Coal India and IIT Madras Partner to Establish Centre for Sustainable Energy to Drive India’s Clean Energy Transition

Analysis:

1. Context:
   • Coal India Limited (CIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to establish the Centre for Sustainable Energy.
   • The agreement was formalized by CIL Director Achyut Ghatak and IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, in the presence of senior officials from both institutions.
2. Objective of the Initiative:
   • The Centre aims to conduct cutting-edge research and development in sustainable and low-carbon energy technologies.
   • It will focus on repurposing coal mines, developing clean energy solutions, and supporting India’s transition towards a low-carbon economy.
3. Institutional Collaboration:
   • The partnership underscores industry-academia collaboration, combining Coal India’s industrial resources with IIT Madras’ research capabilities.
   • It aims to create indigenous technological solutions for energy security and decarbonization, aligning with India’s net-zero goals.
4. Funding and Strategic Vision:
   • Coal India’s funding will drive the research initiatives, as part of its diversification strategy beyond coal into clean energy domains.
   • The collaboration represents a major step in Coal India’s transformation from a traditional coal-based enterprise to a sustainable energy leader.
5. Capacity Building and Human Resource Development:
   • The Centre will develop Ph.D., postdoctoral, and internship programs focused on green energy and sustainable technologies.
   • This approach aims to build human capital and strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem in renewable and sustainable energy.
6. National Importance:
   • The initiative aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its broader Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
   • It supports the government’s objective to balance energy security with environmental sustainability, critical for a Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Static Information:

• Coal India Limited (CIL):
  • Established: 1975.
  • Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • It is the world’s largest coal-producing company, contributing significantly to India’s energy supply.
• IIT Madras:
  • Established: 1959, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
  • Known for excellence in engineering, technology, and innovation, and a leading institute for energy and sustainability research in India.
    
    Updated - October 22, 2025 7:05 PM | News On Air