In a changing scenario where international and nation policy obligations are pushing for less carbon emissions and cleaner source of energy, coal companies have started thinking beyond just coal production for their elongated lifespan.

Hinting extensively towards this the Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) has termed the paradigm shift necessary for its survival.

Gopal Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of the Miniratna company which is eyeing to produce about 74 million tonne of coal this year largely from its mines situated in Jharkhand, said that days of the fossil fuel were numbered.

“Ideas are everlasting which can go for centuries. If the companies like CCL are to survive for long we have to look beyond coal.

 In this fashion future of coal is not more than 20, 30 or maximum 40 years since the shift from conventional sources of energy to renewable sources is building up globally as well as nationally.

 What I believe the CCL should also make itself prepared for the inevitable,” said the CMD in his address on the 74th foundation day of the coal major and its parent body Coal India Limited on Thursday.

Gopal Singh outlined his vision to deal with the situation by naming some of the latest innovations taken place in the field of thermal energy generation. “Need of energy will always remain there, for the survival of humanity and its growth. But the method is changing very fast.  We are seeing the way methanol is coming to fore. Coal can be used differently to harness methanol, gasification or for making liquid fuels which have been perceived as less polluting.

Methanol blending with petrol is taking place now,” said he in his speech in the presence of Directors and senior managers of the company.

The CMD also talked about generating even solar energy by using hectares of fallow and unused land with it after mines are exhausted. “Huge pile of land is lying abandoned with us after we extract coal from the mines. Solar panels can be installed there to tap the cleanest form of energy. The CMD on the occasion also referred to the steps the CCL took in utilising huge amount of water tapped in shut down coal mines. The company in an agreement signed with the State Government has agreed to supply the water to nearby villages for drinking and irrigational purposes.

Gopal Singh also lauded the operation of the Mega sports complex at Khel Gaon for budding sportspersons in the run up of Olympics and other international level sports events and other CSR measures as payback to the society.