After 38 years of existence, the World Coal Association (WCA) has undergone a transformative rebranding, emerging as FutureCoal ? The Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal. The organisation is now focused on integrating technological advancements to ensure the sustainable utilisation of coal reserves, providing a reliable and affordable energy supply to a significant portion of the global population.

Speaking at a press conference in Delhi, FutureCoal's Chief Executive, Michelle Manook, explained that this shift was prompted by a collective call from coal and allied sectors to modernise and unite under a shared purpose. FutureCoal aims to represent major and strategic players throughout the coal value chain, advocating for an inclusive international policy framework encompassing fuel and technology. This framework is designed to uphold the sovereign rights of all nations involved in coal production and consumption, as well as those genuinely committed to supporting them.

Manook expressed concern about the dominance of anti-coal sentiments in the global coal value chain, emphasising that it has led to fragmentation and a decline in the global coal IQ. She highlighted the impact on vulnerable developing and emerging nations, as well as some developed nations. According to her, FutureCoal's bold transformation reflects the reality faced by the industry. She stressed that coal's overall contribution to modern society and the growing global population should not be dismissed, emphasising the necessity of a broader definition of abated coal solutions in any energy transition.

The FutureCoal Global Alliance aims to embed this transformation through Sustainable Coal Stewardship (SCS). The SCS platform enables coal-based economies, such as India and China, and like-minded nations and corporations, to collaborate and advance a progressive, technology-led international coal value chain industry.

Manook acknowledged the substantial contribution of the coal value chain to sectors such as power, steel, cement, aluminum, chemicals, and renewable infrastructure. She emphasised that this contribution, valued in the hundreds of billions, forms an interconnected global supply chain that cannot be ignored. However, she stressed the need for responsible action, inclusivity, and unity under a common purpose to ensure the security of this value chain in the face of necessary changes.

Highlighting the organisation's momentum, Manook mentioned the intentions of numerous coal-producing and consuming nations, governments, industries, and investors to officially associate with and join the FutureCoal global organisation. FutureCoal Chairman July Ndlovu emphasised the platform's collaborative nature, asserting that it serves the best interests of the global community. He underscored the responsibility of the leaders involved to shape a modernised, innovative, and technology-driven united coal value chain, focused on making a substantial contribution to people's lives and livelihoods in the future.

Source: The Hindu