December 19, 2025 - FutureCoal, the Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal, has announced the establishment of its India Chapter, marking a significant milestone in advancing technology-driven decarbonization and energy security across one of the world's largest coal economies. The India Chapter will be led by Mr P.M. Prasad, esteemed former Chairman and Managing Director of Coal India Limited, serving as the inaugural Chairman.

(Left to right) Ms Michelle Manook, Chief Executive, FutureCoal; Shri B. Sairam, Chairman and Managing Director, Coal India Limited; Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Government of India; Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India; Ms Rupinder Brar, IRS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal; and Shri P. M. Prasad, Chair, FutureCoal India Chapter (Former Chairman and Managing Director, Coal India Limited), at the launch of the FutureCoal India Chapter.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment as governments and industries worldwide reassess energy policy priorities in response to rising electricity demand, increasing system costs, and the imperative for reliable, competitive power. With India achieving over one billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2024-25 and coal-based power generation contributing 72 percent to total electricity production, the India Chapter will play a crucial role in uniting the nation's coal and allied sectors around modern, sustainable practices that support both national development and environmental responsibility.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr P.M. Prasad, Chairman, FutureCoal India Chapter, said, "As a global growth centre and manufacturing powerhouse, coal is critical to achieving the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Through our India Chapter, we will connect industry, government and international partners across the coal value chain to build a modern, technology-driven sector that strengthens energy security, supports industrial competitiveness and contributes to responsible emissions reduction."

The India Chapter brings together producers, consumers and suppliers across power, cement, steel and allied sectors committed to adopting FutureCoal's Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS) Roadmap. The SCS framework outlines existing and proven technologies, including High-Efficiency Low-Emissions (HELE) generation, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), coal gasification and coal-to-products pathways, that can reduce emissions by up to 99 percent while extracting more value from every tonne of coal.

Spearheaded by founding members Coal India Limited, Gainwell Engineering, and strategic partners, the India Chapter strengthens FutureCoal's presence across Asia and follows the successful launch of the Southern Africa Chapter earlier this year.

Mr Sunil Chaturvedi, Chairman, Gainwell Engineering, emphasised the private sector's role in driving transformation. "Through global collaboration and embracing FutureCoal's SCS roadmap, our members are already deploying technologies that increase efficiency, reduce emissions, recycle waste, and improve safety. Together, we are creating a sustainable coal ecosystem that delivers maximum economic and environmental value."

Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, highlighted India's growing sophistication in coal production and distribution. He noted that India surpassed one billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2024-25, reaching the milestone earlier than the previous year, while captive and commercial mining continue to strengthen, with enhanced production over the previous year, signalling robust diversification and additional capacity across the sector.

"India's coal sector now operates at a scale where coordination, systems and execution matter just as much as capacity," he said. "When improvements are made in India, they are tested across some of the world's most diverse and demanding conditions. That is why India has both the experience and the credibility to contribute meaningfully to global energy discussions."

Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines described the India Chapter as a vital platform for advancing cooperation. "We look forward to this platform becoming a strong avenue for global cooperation in technology, innovation and best practice. It will help Indian companies connect with international expertise, strengthen capabilities and promote the responsible and efficient use of coal. I am confident that the India Chapter will support national priorities in modernisation, sustainability and value addition."

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Union Minister of Mines reaffirmed the government's commitment to balanced development. "India is not choosing between development and innovation. India is pursuing both. We are strengthening supply while advancing technologies that improve the way coal contributes to the economy. Our efforts in areas such as gasification, coal-to-products, digital coal mining technologies, sustainable mine closures with generation of livelihood and employment, first mile connectivity (FMC) projects for mechanised loading and emissions-reducing technologies reflect our commitment to a modern coal sector that supports national growth and long-term competitiveness."

In a video announcement, Mr Mike Teke, Chairman, FutureCoal, said, "It is with great pride that I announce the official launch of FutureCoal's Indian Country Chapter—a major milestone in our journey to build a global, united, and forward-looking coal alliance. With India, a fellow G20 leader and one of the world's largest and most dynamic coal economies, stepping forward, we are aligning FutureCoal with the voices that are defining the future of energy sovereignty, innovation, and development."

The India Chapter will serve as a bridge between domestic industry priorities and global best practices, facilitating knowledge exchange, technology adoption, and policy advocacy that positions India as a leader in sustainable coal stewardship while supporting the nation's energy transition goals.

(Left to right) Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India; Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Government of India; Ms Rupinder Brar, IRS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal; Shri P. M. Prasad, Chair, FutureCoal India Chapter (Former Chairman and Managing Director, Coal India Limited); Shri B. Sairam, Chairman and Managing Director, Coal India Limited; and Ms Michelle Manook, Chief Executive, FutureCoal, during the lamp lighting ceremony at the launch of the FutureCoal India Chapter.