Coal miners to ramp up RE capacity to over 9 GW by 2030

In a significant move aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability, the Coal Ministry has instructed coal and lignite mining Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to prioritize the adoption of renewable energy sources. This directive comes with a target to incorporate an additional 9 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy into the sector's portfolio by the close of the decade.

Presently, the leading coal companies, including Coal India (CIL), NLC India (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL), collectively operate solar installations with a capacity of approximately 1700 megawatts (MW). This is further supplemented by 51 MW generated from wind mills, as disclosed by the Ministry.

Highlighting the forward-looking strategy, the Ministry stated, "Looking towards the future, the coal sector aims to ramp up renewable energy capacity to over 9 GW by the year 2030, signaling a profound commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship."

Efforts are underway to utilize reclaimed mining areas and other suitable lands for the development of solar parks, thus maximizing the potential of underutilized land resources for sustainable energy generation.

To expedite the transition to cleaner energy sources and minimize carbon footprints associated with mining activities, the Ministry has mandated coal companies to accelerate the adoption of solar energy solutions. This includes the installation of rooftop solar panels on all government buildings and the establishment of solar projects in de-coaled areas and other suitable lands.

Furthermore, the Ministry has initiated Pump Storage Projects (PSPs) in de-coaled coal mines, aiming to diversify energy sources by harnessing solar energy for hydroelectricity. This move not only promotes sustainable development but also utilizes previously mined areas effectively.

De-coaled mines present feasible sites for PSPs due to the availability of lower reservoirs, water heads, and land. Coal India (CIL) and NLC India (NLCIL) are currently conducting feasibility studies on pump storage projects (PSPs), with plans for stakeholder consultations to finalize business models such as Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

Additionally, the Ministry has collaborated with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to explore projects related to Green Ammonia/Hydrogen. CIL has already identified surplus land parcels for feasibility studies in this regard, showcasing a multifaceted approach towards sustainable energy practices in the coal mining sector.

HBL