Coal sector braces for energy security overhaul next year
Govt likely to increase funding for coal gasification projects to meet growing energy demand
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: From the market listings of two subsidiaries of state-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) to a surge in funding for ambitious coal gasification projects, the coal sector braces for a whirlwind of activities in 2026 that could redefine energy security amid the global push for cleaner fuels.
With ambitious mining reforms, surging global demand for critical minerals, and the government's push, 2026 is likely to fuel the green energy boom, promising to unearth not just resources but also boost economic powerhouses.
As India races toward its ambitious Viksit Bharat@2047 goals, the Centre is rolling out sweeping reforms in the coal and mining sector to bolster national energy security.
These changes target key pain points like cumbersome approval processes, inefficient dispatch mechanisms, and safety protocols, aiming to create a resilient, self-reliant energy ecosystem.
The initiatives will accelerate clean energy adoption, reduce import dependence, and ensure a stable power supply for a $ 30 trillion economy by 2047.
"The coal ministry is working on a lot of reforms to enhance energy security further, leading to the attainment of Viksit Bharat goals. These reforms will generally include mining reforms… and reforms to the approval process. The reforms will happen in dispatch, safety," a coal ministry official explained.
In a bold push toward cleaner, more efficient energy production, the country's mining sector will undergo a technological revolution in the coming year.
Coal companies are likely to adopt advanced high-tech mining methods to improve coal quality and drastically reduce environmental impact.
This initiative promises to transform the industry, delivering superior-grade coal for power plants and other sectors while minimising waste and emissions, he explained.
On the coal sector's 2026 roadmap, the official said the domestic and international roadshows of the Coal India Ltd (CIL) arm, Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), have been wrapped up, paving the way for a 2026 debut on the stock market.
Alongside it, Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Ltd (CMPDIL) is also gearing up for the big listing. "The process is in full steam," he said, adding that "By March, we should have both BCCL and CMPDIL listed on the exchange."
In the upcoming year, the government can increase funding for coal gasification projects to meet the country's growing energy and chemical needs and reduce imports.
"It can be through any method... Now there is a need to go beyond the power sector. So we have to find a major consumer, which will generally be gasification.
