New Delhi, September 21, 2026: Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced an expansive Business Development portfolio aimed at transforming the state-owned coal producer into a diversified, technology-driven energy and minerals company.
The portfolio is structured around five key platforms: coal gasification and coal-to-chemicals, thermal power, renewable energy and storage, critical minerals and advanced materials, and diversified minerals including iron ore.
₹69,346-Crore Coal-to-Chemicals Portfolio
A major component of the strategy is CIL’s coal-to-chemicals programme, comprising four projects with a combined estimated investment of about ₹69,346 crore.
These include Talcher Fertilizers, Bharat Coal Gasification & Chemicals, Coal Gas India and the CIL-BPCL Chandrapura coal-to-SNG project. The projects are designed to convert coal into products such as urea, ammonium nitrate, synthetic natural gas and other chemicals.
CIL is also pursuing an Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) pilot at the Kasta West Block of Eastern Coalfields, with the second phase scheduled for completion in 2026.
Expansion Into Power and Renewable Energy
CIL’s diversification programme also includes power generation. Through a 50:50 joint venture with Damodar Valley Corporation, the company is implementing a 2×800 MW ultra-supercritical expansion at Chandrapura.
On the renewable-energy side, CIL has already commissioned approximately 550 MW of solar capacity and is developing additional rooftop, ground-mounted, captive and utility-scale projects. A 20 MW floating solar project at Chilwa Taal in Gorakhpur is also part of the portfolio.
The company is additionally developing grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to support energy storage and grid flexibility.
Focus on Critical Minerals and Advanced Materials
Another important area is critical minerals and downstream materials. CIL is exploring opportunities in minerals needed for advanced manufacturing and energy technologies, alongside development of an integrated graphite value chain.
The company is also pursuing diversified minerals, including iron ore, as part of its broader expansion beyond coal mining.
Technology and Risk Management
CIL says its diversification strategy will be supported by technology development, digital systems and structured risk management. Projects will undergo technology validation, commercial assessment and stage-gated evaluation before wider replication.
The company’s Business Development Division will act as an enterprise-level integrator, handling opportunity identification, partnerships, technology validation, commercial models, approvals and project execution.
The strategy reflects CIL’s stated objectives of supporting energy and mineral security, import substitution, indigenous technology, low-carbon growth and domestic manufacturing, while maintaining commercial sustainability and risk-adjusted returns.