New Delhi, Mar 8 (KNN) In a significant move towards advancing research in the coal and energy sector, Coal India Ltd (CIL) and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday to establish a Centre of Excellence for Clean Coal Energy and Net Zero (CLEANZ).
The signing took place in the presence of Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy.
Under this collaboration, CIL will provide an initial grant of Rs 98 crore to support the centre’s establishment and operations. Minister Reddy emphasized that this initiative aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable coal usage and achieving net-zero emissions.
He highlighted the Coal Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance research capabilities, including the establishment of the National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER) at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in Ranchi.
CLEANZ will focus on pioneering clean coal technologies, including enhanced coal bed methane and coal mine methane recovery, carbon capture technologies, mineral beneficiation, and applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning in energy efficiency and conservation.
The centre will also promote social awareness and skill development through workshops and conferences for Coal India personnel.
Additionally, Reddy noted that IIT Hyderabad would contribute to technological advancements related to critical minerals, which play a strategic role in India’s economy.
He also reiterated the importance of coal in India’s energy landscape, with 72% of power generation relying on coal.
Coal India CMD P M Prasad announced that the company’s first coal gasification plant, developed in collaboration with BHEL, will be set up at Lakhanpur mines in Odisha.
The plant, with an estimated investment of Rs 14,000 crore, is expected to commence production by FY 2030.
(KNN Bureau)
