The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) has formed a partnership with Coal India Limited (CIL) to establish a Centre for Sustainable Energy, aimed at propelling India”s shift towards a sustainable and low-carbon energy future. The agreement was formalized on Wednesday by Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Achut Ghatak, Director (Technical) of CIL, during a ceremony attended by P M Prasad, Chairman of CIL, along with senior officials from both organizations.
This significant collaboration is intended to enhance India”s long-term energy security, while also aligning with the country”s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The Centre for Sustainable Energy will act as a Centre of Excellence, dedicated to pioneering research, innovation, and technology for sustainable energy solutions.
It will unite institutions and industries from India and beyond to formulate economically viable and environmentally responsible strategies for optimizing India”s energy resources in both the short and long term. Prof Kamakoti expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Industry–academia collaborations have been a cornerstone of IIT Madras” journey toward leading India”s transition to a low-carbon economy. Our partnership with Coal India epitomizes our commitment to this cause. Together, we aim to develop scalable and impactful solutions that support our nation”s sustainable energy future.”
In his remarks, Prasad highlighted that Coal India is evolving from merely being a traditional energy provider to a vital enabler of India”s clean energy transition. He noted, “This MoU marks a historic step in Coal India”s journey toward sustainable growth. Through this collaboration with IIT Madras, Coal India aims to generate indigenous solutions that ensure energy security, decarbonization, and socio-economic progress.”
The Centre will be co-directed by Prof Satyanarayanan Seshadri, Head of the Energy Consortium at IIT Madras, and Prof Rajnish Kumar, Head of the School of Sustainability at IIT Madras. Its focus will be on establishing a leadership role in sustainable energy, positioning itself as an international hub tackling the intricate challenges of India”s energy transition.
Coal remains a fundamental component of India”s energy security, fulfilling more than 85 percent of the nation”s energy requirements. However, it also plays a crucial role in facilitating the country”s shift toward sustainability.
Research Areas and Initiatives
The Centre will concentrate on research in key areas such as sustainable materials and circular economy, mine repurposing and fleet electrification, environmental remediation and pollution control, and materials for energy storage derived from coal. The initial projects will focus on developing sustainable polymer composites utilizing coal additives, recovering valuable minerals and metals through solar panel and battery recycling, ensuring safe electrification of vehicles and mining equipment, and assessing mine-to-data center conversions.
Additional research will explore energy storage options in mined-out zones and conduct feasibility studies for Micro Modular Nuclear Reactors (MMR). Other initiatives will include the creation of bio-based micromotors aimed at removing pollutants from coal mine wastewater and developing coal-derived materials for advanced electrodes and membranes. These endeavors aim to produce innovative materials suitable for next-generation clean energy applications, such as bipolar plates, carbon paper, and carbon felt.
This collaboration merges Coal India”s extensive operational experience with IIT Madras” leadership in research and innovation. Together, they will strive to devise solutions that are technically sound, economically feasible, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible. This partnership signifies a pivotal moment in redefining India”s energy landscape and establishing Coal India Limited as a global frontrunner in innovation-driven sustainability.
