Asansol, July 17: Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Shri Satish Jha on Friday said that coal will continue to play a vital role in ensuring the country’s energy security while emerging green technologies accelerate the transition towards a sustainable future.
Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 7th ASSOCHAM Energy Meet & Excellence Awards 2026 in Kolkata, the CMD emphasised the need for a balanced approach integrating conventional and renewable energy sources to drive India’s energy transition.
The national-level conclave brought together policymakers, senior government officials, industry leaders, power sector experts, technology providers, researchers and energy professionals to deliberate on India’s evolving energy landscape and pathways towards a resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.
The inaugural session was graced by Shri Dipak Barman, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of School Education, MSME & Textiles and Housing, Government of West Bengal, as the Chief Guest. Among the distinguished speakers were Shri Swapnendu Kumar Panda, Member (Technical), Damodar Valley Corporation; Prof. (Dr.) S. P. Gon Chaudhuri, Former Managing Director, West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation; Shri Vineet Sikka, Managing Director (Distribution), CESC Limited; Shri Somesh Dasgupta, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Energy Council (East); Shri Partha P. Chatterjee, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM Energy Council (East); and Shri Ramit Sircar, Deputy Director & State Head (West Bengal), ASSOCHAM.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jha said India’s future lies in developing an integrated energy mix where conventional and renewable sources complement each other. He noted that while renewable energy capacity is expanding rapidly, coal continues to remain the backbone of India’s electricity generation, supporting industrial growth, transportation, healthcare, agriculture and household energy requirements.
Highlighting the role of technology in the energy transition, he underlined the transformative potential of green hydrogen, green ammonia, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, automation, smart grids, digital substations, the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced control systems. He observed that innovation and digitalisation would be key to improving grid reliability, operational efficiency and round-the-clock availability of clean energy.
Describing the energy transition as both an environmental necessity and a major economic opportunity, Shri Jha said it has the potential to generate employment, attract investments, strengthen domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and position India as a global leader in sustainable energy technologies.
The CMD called for greater collaboration among governments, industry, academia, research institutions, financial organisations, start-ups and consumers to build a secure, affordable, inclusive and environmentally responsible energy ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Reaffirming ECL‘s commitment to supporting India’s energy transition through responsible coal mining and adoption of advanced technologies, Shri Jha said collaboration and innovation would remain central to achieving the country’s long-term energy and sustainability goals.