World Coal Enrols Major Global Coal Producer in Abated Coal Future

Kolkota. Monday, November 28th, 2022: The World Coal Association (WCA) today welcomed one of the world’s largest coal producers, Coal India Limited, as a new member committed to a responsible, modernised, and future-focused coal industry.

Speaking at the Association’s first board meeting in India, WCA CEO Michelle Manook, WCA Chairman July Ndlovu, and Coal India Chairman Shri Pramod Agrawal agreed to keep coal transforming through technology and sustainable outcomes.

Ms Manook says stakeholders are tired of a negative narrative that does not get us any closer to demonstrating how, through the phasing-in of abated coal technologies, coal can deliver a future consistent with the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“Up to 99% of coal emissions can be eliminated through abatement technologies and processes which currently exist. Now, more than ever, we need to bring the whole coal value chain together and demonstrate how coal is modernising to safeguard our energy, development and climate future.”

Mr Ndlovu says India demonstrates exemplary global leadership in balancing development with decarbonisation.

“Coal India is a global coal leader which understands the coal ecosystem and the need to collaborate. As the world’s largest coal producer, it is acutely aware of the pressures coal faces, and the need to lead discussion about “Future Coal” and coal’s ability to provide energy security, economic stability and sustainable solutions which the world so desperately needs.”

Said Shri Pramod Agrawal: “This year, the world has witnessed how we cannot rely on singular energy solutions to solve all our energy and climate problems. We need to use what we have, ensuring it is the best it can be.

“Coal continues to play a pivotal role in countries like India, where fuel choices are few, and we do not have the luxury of picking and choosing between energy options which could seriously impact coal-related or reliant industries

“What we do have is the capacity to define a future coal vision through membership of a progressive alliance of climate responsible realists. I am looking forward to seeing many more of the key India coal value chain members join us in charting this direction. It is time to support coal’s future which we all understand balances economic, social and environmental development in equal measure.”

India’s plans to invest US$55 billion in abated coal over the coming decade places it at the forefront of the coal industry at large, demonstrating the country’s willingness to adapt and innovate. ​

Ms Manook says Shri Agrawal shares the vision to educate more and more coal participants across the whole coal value chain and their stakeholders on the abated coal stewardship opportunities. Members are joining the organisation, cognisant that coal remains essential to energy security and economic development but also has a vital role in meeting international climate change goals.

“These new members are pragmatic and progressive about coal’s contribution to the economy, the environment and ultimately, people, and they are committed to integrating and modernising coal along the whole coal value chain.”