World Coal Association transforms into FutureCoal: A global alliance for sustainable coal

FutureCoal will look into aspects such as coal gasification, carbon capture technology and so on.

After 38 years, the World Coal Association (WCA) ushered in a new era on November 20 by rebranding itself as 'FutureCoal – The Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal.'

At a relaunch event held in New Delhi, FutureCoal Vice Chairman Stephan Solzhenitsyn said the new name represents the Alliance's pledge to a fresh, innovative approach. The alliance will look at decarbonizing solutions at all three levels of coal usage - pre-combustion, combustion, and post-combustion. It will explore aspects such as coal gasification, carbon capture technology, and more.

"It involves adopting a wider perspective, diversifying our energy mix, and actively incorporating technologies that aid in reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency," he said.

This entails investing in technologies that mitigate coal emissions and exploring uses beyond combustion, such as hydrogen production, ammonia for fertilizers, and support for industries like cement and steel.

The FutureCoal Global Alliance is a global multilateral organization representing the entire coal value chain, spreading awareness of the significant contribution of coal to economies. India's biggest coal miner, Coal India Limited (CIL), is also a member of the FutureCoal alliance.

Its Chief Executive, Michelle Manook, said the change was a response to a call from coal and coal-allied sectors to modernize and unite under a common purpose.

"There is no greenwashing here. We are about coal, and we are transparent about this. What we have, perhaps, is a difference of opinion with populist sentiment. They believe there is no future for coal. Coal, by its very properties, is finite. But we know there is still a future contribution for coal that will go beyond its traditional uses. Because any responsible energy transition must include abated coal as part of its solution," Manook said, explaining the need for the rebranding of the association.

FutureCoal Board member Sunil Chaturvedi said 70 percent of electricity generation comes from coal. "In the past 15 years, India has moved from supercritical and ultra-supercritical technologies. That means India as a country is combusting coal far better, efficiently, and in a less polluting manner. This will continue because coal is not only for electricity generation. It is needed in the steel, cement, aluminium sectors, and so on," he said.

Chaturvedi added that the future of coal in India is bright, as technologies are available that can help the country extract, use, and combust the dry fuel far more sustainably.