Recently, Kapil Daga, representing the Indian Coal Producers Association, confirmed through a video message that the association will actively participate in the 2026 World Coal Science and Technology Innovation Conference as an international supporting partner. Following the signing of a strategic cooperation memorandum with the Conference Organizing Committee, the partnership marks more than a formal agreement. It signals a new chapter of collaboration between China and India—two major players in the global energy landscape—and reflects a shared commitment to advancing cooperation across the coal value chain. The partnership is expected to accelerate international opportunities for Chinese coal equipment, technology, and service providers, while fostering deeper cross-border cooperation and business connectivity throughout the global coal industry.

1.Coal Remains the Cornerstone of India’s Energy Security

As the world’s most populous country and one of the fastest-growing major economies in the G20, India continues to pursue a dual-track energy strategy: ensuring energy security through conventional fuels while accelerating the transition to renewable energy. Within this framework, coal remains an indispensable pillar of the country’s energy system.

In 2023, coal-fired power accounted for 73.5% of India’s total electricity generation, maintaining its position as the nation’s largest power source. During the first year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, India approved an additional 19.2 GW of coal-fired power capacity, while 29.2 GW remains under construction and another 36.3 GW is in various stages of planning and approval. According to India’s National Electricity Plan 2022–2032, coal-fired capacity is expected to increase from approximately 235 GW today to 259.6 GW by FY2031–32, creating substantial long-term market opportunities.

Although India’s coal production surpassed one billion tonnes in FY2024–25, reaching a record high, domestic coal quality remains relatively low, leaving the country dependent on imports for approximately 26.3% of its coal consumption. Meanwhile, despite non-fossil energy sources accounting for more than 50% of installed power capacity and India achieving its Paris Agreement targets ahead of schedule, renewable energy currently contributes less than 30% of actual electricity generation due to intermittency challenges, grid integration constraints, and limited energy storage infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, improving coal productivity, enhancing efficiency, reducing import dependence, and advancing cleaner coal utilization have become strategic priorities for India’s energy sector. These market realities provide a strong foundation for collaboration between the Indian Coal Producers Association and the 2026 World Coal Science and Technology Innovation Conference.

2. Technology Gaps Create Significant Opportunities for Collaboration

The strong complementarity between China’s and India’s coal industries creates tangible commercial value, and the 2026 World Coal Science and Technology Innovation Conference serves as an ideal platform to connect market demand with advanced solutions.

India’s coal and power sectors face multiple technical and economic challenges. The cost of new coal-fired power projects remains high, averaging approximately INR 130–140 million per MW, causing some projects to be delayed due to financial pressures. At the same time, emerging environmental regulations, including mechanisms such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), are increasing cost sensitivity among export-oriented industries. Industry stakeholders have consequently called for greater flexibility in equipment sourcing and are actively seeking high-performance, cost-effective international technologies and equipment.

After decades of modernization and industrial upgrading, China has developed a comprehensive portfolio of advanced solutions across the entire coal value chain, including intelligent mining, green exploration, clean production, efficient transportation, and low-carbon utilization. Advanced Chinese coal-fired power technologies, for example, can significantly reduce project costs while enabling more precise emissions management and operational efficiency improvements.

The 2026 World Coal Science and Technology Innovation Conference provides a highly efficient platform for showcasing these innovations and facilitating business connections. The active participation of the Indian Coal Producers Association creates a direct channel for Chinese equipment manufacturers, technology providers, and service companies to engage with India’s rapidly expanding market. At the same time, it offers Indian coal and power enterprises access to leading global technologies, expertise, and supply-chain resources, generating value for both sides.

3. A Long-Term Opportunity Supported by Pragmatic Energy Policy

India’s pragmatic and predictable energy policy framework provides a solid foundation for long-term industry cooperation.

As energy demand continues to grow, India has consistently pursued a balanced strategy that supports both conventional and renewable energy development. Even as renewable energy deployment accelerates, India has maintained a measured approach to coal policy, emphasizing gradual reduction rather than rapid phase-out. This policy direction suggests that the country’s coal sector is unlikely to experience abrupt contraction. Instead, future growth will be driven by modernization, efficiency improvements, emissions reduction, and cleaner utilization technologies.

This creates a stable and attractive market environment for global coal-related technology, equipment, and service providers.

The 2026 World Coal Science and Technology Innovation Conference will also host two high-level industry summits, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, research institutions, and major coal-producing countries from around the world. The participation of the Indian Coal Producers Association will not only introduce key Indian exhibitors but also provide direct access to market intelligence, regulatory developments, investment opportunities, and future project pipelines in India’s coal sector.

For conference participants, this represents a valuable opportunity to engage in global supply-chain cooperation, cross-border trade, and technology partnerships while positioning themselves to benefit from the evolving global energy landscape.

4. From Shanghai to the World’s Major Coal-Producing Regions

The global energy transition is not a choice between energy security and sustainability; it is a pragmatic evolution that requires both.

To date, the 2026 World Coal Science and Technology Innovation Conference has established strategic cooperation with leading energy organizations from Mongolia, Indonesia, Poland, Australia, and other major coal-producing countries. The addition of the Indian Coal Producers Association further strengthens the conference’s international network and expands its role as a platform for global industry collaboration.

As a premier forum dedicated to coal technology innovation and energy transition, the conference is expected to unlock new opportunities for practical cooperation between China and India while fostering broader international partnerships across the coal value chain. Through technology exchange, business matchmaking, and strategic dialogue, the event will continue to contribute to the modernization, sustainability, and long-term development of the global coal industry.

👉Click the link to pre-register now： https://s.31url.cn/rl9jRwJT

📅 Date: June 10–12, 2026

📍 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre