Coal India Ltd. is strengthening its technology and innovation strategy with plans to invest around ₹1,900 crore in research and development by FY30. The move is aimed at supporting the company’s long-term growth while adapting to the evolving energy landscape.
The company’s R&D efforts gained momentum in FY25 with the launch of the National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER), a hub-and-spoke model research centre. Coal India said it has shifted its focus from proof-of-concept studies to prototype development at Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 and above.
“We intend to shift R&D to a higher orbit to drive the company’s future growth and technological transformation,” a senior Coal India official said.
Coal India’s R&D spending increased 4 times during FY25, rising to ₹245 crore from ₹61 crore in FY24. The company also introduced a comprehensive R&D policy to build a structured innovation framework in line with the Department of Public Enterprises’ guideline of allocating an average of 1% of the previous 3 years’ profit before tax towards research and development.
To strengthen collaboration with academic institutions, Coal India has established 3 Centres of Excellence at IIT Hyderabad, IIT Madras and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. The company has committed ₹253 crore, to be released in phases, for pilot-scale research, prototype development and technology validation.
Currently, 19 R&D projects worth ₹225 crore are being executed under NaCCER, while another 13 projects are underway at the Centres of Excellence. The research focuses on clean coal technologies, carbon capture, coal gasification, recovery of rare earth elements, mine repurposing, wastewater treatment and feasibility studies on micro modular nuclear reactors.
Coal India has also partnered internationally with Ergo Exergy (Canada) for underground coal gasification, Ericsson (Sweden) for 5G deployment at the Jhanjra underground mine, and CSIRO (Australia) for collaborative research initiatives.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.