FutureCoal Launches India Chapter to Advance Sustainable Coal and Energy Security
FutureCoal, the Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal, has launched its India Chapter, strengthening its global coalition aimed at promoting technology-driven decarbonisation and energy security in one of the world’s largest coal-producing and coal-consuming economies.
The India Chapter will be chaired by Mr P. M. Prasad, former Chairman and Managing Director of Coal India Limited, who will serve as its inaugural Chair. The launch brings together senior government officials, industry leaders and international partners to support a modern and sustainable coal sector aligned with national development priorities and global climate goals.
The establishment of the Chapter comes at a critical time as countries reassess energy strategies in response to rising electricity demand, increasing system costs and the need for reliable and affordable power. In India, coal remains central to the energy mix, contributing 72 per cent of electricity generation, with production surpassing one billion tonnes in the 2024–25 financial year.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Prasad said coal remains essential to India’s ambition of Atmanirbhar Bharat and industrial growth. He noted that the India Chapter will connect industry, government and international stakeholders across the coal value chain to build a technology-led sector that strengthens energy security, supports competitiveness and advances responsible emissions reduction.
The India Chapter will unite producers, consumers and suppliers across power, cement, steel and allied industries committed to adopting FutureCoal’s Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS) Roadmap. The framework promotes the deployment of proven technologies such as High-Efficiency Low-Emissions (HELE) generation, carbon capture and storage, coal gasification and coal-to-products pathways, which can significantly reduce emissions while maximising value from coal resources.
Founding members include Coal India Limited and Gainwell Engineering, alongside strategic partners, further strengthening FutureCoal’s footprint in Asia following the recent launch of its Southern Africa Chapter.
Mr Sunil Chaturvedi, Chairman of Gainwell Engineering, highlighted the role of industry collaboration in driving transformation, noting that the adoption of advanced technologies is already improving efficiency, safety and environmental performance across the sector.
Government leaders welcomed the initiative as a platform for cooperation, innovation and knowledge exchange. Senior officials from the Ministry of Coal emphasised India’s growing sophistication in coal production, logistics and distribution, as well as the country’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to global energy discussions based on practical experience at scale.
FutureCoal Chair Mr Mike Teke, in a video address, described the launch of the India Chapter as a major milestone in building a unified, forward-looking global coal alliance, underscoring India’s leadership role in shaping future energy sovereignty, innovation and development.
