IIT Hyderabad and Coal India Ltd sign a pact to set up a Centre of Excellence for Clean Coal Energy & Net Zero (CLEANZ) with Rs 98 Crore Grant
HYDERABAD, MARCH 07, 2025: Critical minerals play a strategic role in our economy, and IIT Hyderabad is conducting cutting-edge research in this field, said Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy. “We, through our ministry, will provide any necessary support.” Coal remains a cornerstone of our energy strategy, contributing to over half of our primary energy needs and serving as the backbone of our industries. Over the past decade, thermal power, primarily fueled by coal, has consistently accounted for more than 70% of our total power generation”, he stated.
The coal sector is vital for India’s development, serving as a crucial energy source for the economy, providing significant employment opportunities, and enhancing energy security by meeting a large portion of electricity needs through domestic coal production. The Minister made these comments during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Coal India Ltd. and IIT Hyderabad to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) called the Centre of Clean Coal Energy & Net Zero (CLEANZ) at IIT Hyderabad, located in CGO Towers, Kavadiguda.
In a significant step towards enhancing research capabilities in the coal and energy sector, IIT Hyderabad has announced the establishment of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Clean Coal Energy & Net Zero (CLEANZ), funded with an initial grant of Rs 98 crore from Coal India Ltd. This joint initiative underscores India’s commitment to developing advanced clean coal technologies and promoting the sustainable utilization of coal resources in alignment with its net-zero commitments.
The Ministry of Coal (MoC) has prioritized the development of research capabilities in the coal sector. As part of this initiative, the National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER) has been established at CMPDI in Ranchi. Following a collaborative meeting chaired by the Secretary of Coal, the strategic decision was made to partner with leading educational institutions like IITs to foster innovation and research in clean coal technologies.
The Vision and Mission of CLEANZ
The Clean Coal Energy & Net Zero (CLEANZ) CoE aims to focus on pioneering clean coal technologies with a special emphasis on low-grade and rejected Indian coals. It will address key thematic areas, including:
– Enhanced Coal Bed Methane and Coal Mine Methane Recovery
– Carbon Capture Technologies and Mineral Beneficiation
– Gasification and Syngas Utilization
– Circular Economy and Waste Management
– Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Applications
– Energy Efficiency and Conservation
The Centre intends to advance multiple technology projects, ensuring they reach high Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) to effectively contribute to the sustainable energy landscape.
Salient Features of the Centre
The CLEANZ will engage in high-impact projects, including:
– Establishing 3-4 pilot plants based on research-driven technologies.
– Implementing deep tech innovations across various domains such as 5G, robotics, and material sciences.
– Developing extraction and beneficiation technologies for critical and rare earth minerals.
– Producing advanced technologies in clean coal and alternative energies.
Additionally, CLEANZ will focus on fostering societal awareness and skill development through workshops, conferences, and training programs for Coal India personnel.
Path to Financial Sustainability
The Centre is designed to be financially self-sustainable beyond the initial five-year funding period, ensuring ongoing research and development capabilities.
Approval and MoU Signing
The grant approval was given by the Coal Finance Division (CFD) of Coal India Ltd. during its 368th meeting. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this significant initiative is signed on March 7, 2025, in Hyderabad.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards sustainable coal utilization and the development of technologies that support the nation’s energy transition goals.
Mr P M Prasad, CMD, Coal India Ltd, Mr Murthy, Director IIT Hyderabad, Mr N Balaram Naik, CMD, SCCL, Ms Shruti Patil, Additional Director General, PIB Hyderabad were present on the occasion.
