Coal India Limited (CIL) announced plans to invest nearly ₹1,900 crore in research and development (R&D) by FY2030, reinforcing its commitment to modernising mining operations, improving sustainability, and developing next-generation energy technologies. The announcement reflects the company’s strategic shift towards innovation as India’s energy sector undergoes rapid transformation. By strengthening its research capabilities, Coal India aims to enhance operational efficiency while supporting cleaner and more sustainable mining practices. The company intends to elevate its R&D efforts to accelerate long-term growth and technological transformation.
NaCCER Becomes the Centrepiece of R&D Strategy
A significant milestone in Coal India’s innovation journey was the establishment of the National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER) during FY2025. Designed on a hub-and-spoke model, NaCCER serves as the central research platform that coordinates innovation across Coal India’s businesses. As a result, the company has shifted its focus beyond proof-of-concept studies and is now concentrating on Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-4 and above, which includes prototype development and technology validation. This transition enables Coal India to accelerate the commercial deployment of emerging technologies.
R&D Spending Quadruples in FY2025
Coal India’s renewed emphasis on innovation is reflected in its R&D expenditure. The company increased its research spending from ₹61 crore in FY2024 to ₹245 crore in FY2025, representing a four-fold increase. This investment also aligns with the Department of Public Enterprises’ guideline requiring Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to allocate, on average, one percent of the previous three years’ profit before tax towards research and development. To support this long-term vision, Coal India has introduced a comprehensive R&D policy aimed at institutionalising innovation across the organisation.
Strategic Partnerships with Leading IITs
To strengthen industry-academia collaboration, Coal India has established three Centres of Excellence (CoEs) at premier Indian Institutes of Technology.
These include:
Centre of Clean Coal Energy and Net Zero (CLEANZ) at IIT Hyderabad
Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) at IIT Madras
Innovation in Mining (IMiN) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
These centres function as research spokes under NaCCER and focus on pilot-scale research, prototype development, and technology validation. Furthermore, Coal India has committed ₹253 crore to support these Centres of Excellence, with funding scheduled to be released in phases.
Multiple Research Projects Underway
Coal India is currently executing 19 R&D projects under NaCCER with a combined investment of ₹225 crore. In parallel, the three Centres of Excellence are carrying out 13 additional research projects involving pilot-scale studies and prototype development. Together, these initiatives are expected to accelerate technology adoption across mining and energy operations.
Research Focuses on Clean Energy and Sustainable Mining
Coal India’s research portfolio addresses several strategic priorities that combine operational excellence with environmental sustainability. In addition, the Innovation in Mining (IMiN) centre at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad is developing advanced mining technologies while promoting capacity building through specialised research fellowships.
Building a Future-Ready Coal and Energy Company
With an investment of ₹1,900 crore planned by FY2030, Coal India is positioning research and innovation at the core of its future strategy. By combining indigenous R&D, academic collaboration, international partnerships, and advanced technology development, the company aims to transform traditional coal mining into a smarter, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable enterprise. As reported by ndtvprofit.com, as India advances its clean energy transition while maintaining energy security, Coal India’s expanding innovation ecosystem is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country’s mining and energy sectors.
