Coal India Limited (CIL) will invest around ₹1,900 crore in research and development (R&D) by FY2030 to accelerate technological innovation, clean coal technologies and advanced mining solutions. The Maharatna PSU has established the National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER), partnered with leading IITs, and expanded global collaborations to support India’s evolving energy landscape.
Key Highlights
✅ Coal India plans to invest around ₹1,900 crore in R&D by FY2030.
✅ NaCCER established to accelerate technology development and innovation.
✅ Three Centres of Excellence created at IIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
✅ Research focuses on coal gasification, carbon capture, rare earth elements and advanced mining technologies.
New Delhi, June 30: Coal India Limited (CIL), the country’s largest coal producer and a Maharatna Public Sector Enterprise, has announced plans to invest approximately ₹1,900 crore in research and development (R&D) by FY2030 as part of its long-term strategy to drive technological innovation, improve operational efficiency and support India’s evolving energy transition.
According to an exchange filing, the company has significantly strengthened its innovation ecosystem with the establishment of the National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER) during FY2024-25, marking a major milestone in Coal India’s technology roadmap.
NaCCER to Drive Next-Generation Innovation
The newly established National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER) operates on a hub-and-spoke model, enabling faster development of research projects, prototype creation and technology deployment across Coal India’s operations.
The company stated that NaCCER will play a central role in accelerating innovation and supporting the commercialization of advanced technologies for the mining and energy sectors.
A senior Coal India official said the company intends to “shift R&D to a higher orbit” to drive future growth, technological transformation and sustainable mining practices.
R&D Spending Rises Sharply
Coal India has substantially increased its research expenditure, with R&D spending rising to ₹245 crore in FY2024-25, compared with ₹61 crore in the previous financial year.
The company has also introduced a comprehensive R&D policy, providing a structured framework for innovation, technology development and collaboration with academic and research institutions.
The policy is expected to accelerate indigenous technology development while supporting India’s objective of building a knowledge-driven energy sector.
Centres of Excellence at Leading IITs
To strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, Coal India has established Centres of Excellence (CoEs) at three premier institutions:
- IIT Hyderabad
- IIT Madras
- IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
The company has committed ₹253 crore, to be released in phases, to support research activities, infrastructure development and technology innovation at these centres.
The partnership is expected to promote cutting-edge research and facilitate the development of commercially viable technologies for the mining and energy sectors.
Multiple Research Projects Underway
Coal India currently has 19 R&D projects worth ₹225 crore being executed by leading scientific institutions under the direct supervision of NaCCER.
In addition, 13 pilot-scale research and prototype development projects are underway at the three Centres of Excellence.
These initiatives are designed to develop practical solutions that can improve mining productivity, environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
Focus on Advanced Energy Technologies
Coal India’s research programme covers several strategic areas critical to India’s future energy security and sustainable resource development, including:
- Clean Coal Technologies
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
- Coal Gasification
- Recovery of Rare Earth Elements
- Critical Minerals Extraction
- Sustainable Construction Materials
- Circular Economy Solutions
- Environmental Remediation
- Wastewater Treatment
- Advanced Mining Technologies
The diversified research portfolio reflects Coal India’s strategy of modernising conventional coal operations while contributing to the country’s broader clean energy and resource security objectives.
Strengthening Global Technology Partnerships
Coal India is also expanding international cooperation to accelerate technology adoption.
The company has entered into collaborations with:
- Ergo Exergy (Canada) for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)
- Ericsson (Sweden) for deployment of 5G technology at the Jhanjra underground mine
- CSIRO (Australia) for collaborative research and technology development
These partnerships are expected to bring global expertise into India’s mining sector while promoting digitalisation, automation and sustainable mining practices.
Supporting India’s Energy Transition
Although coal continues to remain India’s primary source of electricity generation, Coal India is increasingly investing in advanced technologies that improve efficiency, reduce emissions and diversify future energy applications.
The company’s expanded R&D programme aligns with India’s broader objectives of enhancing energy security, technological self-reliance, sustainable mining and low-carbon industrial development.
Conclusion
Coal India’s planned investment of ₹1,900 crore in research and development by FY2030 marks one of the largest innovation programmes undertaken by an Indian mining company. Through NaCCER, partnerships with leading IITs and international technology collaborations, the company is positioning itself to drive advanced mining technologies, clean coal solutions and sustainable energy innovations while supporting India’s long-term energy security and industrial growth.
