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SPECIAL SERIES | EPISODE 87

From the Depths to Decarbonization: Coal India’s 50-Year Story | ft. P.M. Prasad

15 Oct, 2025
From the Depths to Decarbonization: Coal India’s 50-Year Story | ft. P.M. Prasad
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Coal India Limited or CIL — the world’s largest coal mining company and one of India’s most influential state-owned enterprises — is now 50 years old. Established to secure the India’s energy needs, Coal India has long been the backbone of India’s industrial and power sectors. But as the country moves toward its net-zero by 2070 goal, the company is now undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history.

From being the guardian of India’s coal reserves, Coal India is venturing into new frontiers — investing in critical minerals, solar energy, and coal gasification — signalling a bold pivot toward a cleaner, more diversified energy future.

In this episode of The India Energy Hour, we speak with P.M. Prasad, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Coal India Limited, who reflects on his four-decade journey within the company and shares insights into its evolution, challenges, and vision for the future. Mr. Prasad discusses the founding mission of Coal India, its major milestones, and how the company plans to redefine itself in a decarbonising world.

Full transcript of the episode is available in English language.

Presented by 101Reporters.

P.M. Prasad is on Twitter.

Follow TIEH podcast on Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.

Our host, Shreya Jai on Twitter, Linkedin & Dr. Sandeep Pai on Twitter, Linkedin.

GUESTS

Sandeep Pai
He is an award-winning journalist and researcher and author of a book “Total Transition: The Human Side of the Renewable Energy Revolution.”
Shreya Jai
Shreya Jai is India's leading writer on the energy sector. A journalist for over 15 years, she is currently Energy Lead at Climate Trends.

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About Podcast Producer
Manas Mishra
Manas Mishra
Podcast Producer
Manas Mishra, is a multimedia expert and sound engineer with 101Reporters.

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