New Delhi Launches FutureCoal India Chapter To Promote Sustainable Coal Technologies Nationwide
FutureCoal has launched its India chapter, aiming to steer the nation’s coal sector towards sustainable and low‑carbon practices. The initiative will unite industry stakeholders, government agencies, and technology providers to adopt cleaner coal technologies, including high‑efficiency power generation and carbon capture solutions. With India producing over one billion tonnes of coal annually, the chapter seeks to balance energy security with emissions reduction, signalling a strategic step in the country’s energy transition.
FutureCoal, the Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal, is establishing its India chapter to create a structured platform for knowledge exchange, technology adoption, and cross-sector collaboration. Coal continues to underpin India’s power generation, accounting for nearly three‑quarters of the national electricity supply, making cleaner deployment critical for achieving climate targets. Industry experts note that modernisation of coal operations could reduce carbon intensity and enhance resource efficiency across thermal power plants and industrial applications.The chapter is chaired by a senior coal industry veteran, tasked with bridging international best practices and domestic priorities. “Our objective is to integrate advanced technologies that maintain energy reliability while reducing emissions,” an official said. The initiative focuses on deploying High‑Efficiency Low‑Emission (HELE) plants, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and alternative coal conversion technologies to improve the environmental footprint of coal while preserving its role in industrial and urban energy supply chains.
India’s strategy aligns with the government’s ongoing reforms promoting sustainable energy. Investments in coal gasification, renewable integration within coal belts, and rehabilitation of mined areas are complementing these industry-led initiatives. Officials emphasise that combining cleaner coal technologies with digital monitoring and automation can improve operational transparency, optimise resource use, and strengthen energy security for cities and industrial hubs.Industry participants from power, cement, and steel sectors have expressed support for the India chapter, citing the need for practical pathways that reduce emissions without compromising supply reliability. “Collaboration with FutureCoal allows us to adopt cleaner technologies at scale, enhancing efficiency while lowering environmental impact,” said a senior executive from a founding member company. Such coordinated action is expected to accelerate adoption of sustainable practices across India’s extensive coal value chain.
While some environmental analysts caution against over-reliance on coal, stakeholders argue that modernised, low-carbon coal can act as a pragmatic bridge in the country’s transition to net-zero. By integrating cleaner practices, India can maintain energy affordability, secure industrial growth, and gradually reduce dependence on high-emission fuels, all while aligning with global sustainability norms.As the chapter develops, its success will hinge on measurable uptake of cleaner technologies, cross-sector engagement, and consistent alignment with national decarbonisation objectives. Experts emphasise that such initiatives are vital not just for energy policy but for shaping sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban and industrial landscapes across India.
