In order minimize the carbon footprints of mining and to progress towards the goal of net zero carbon emission, coal/lignite companies are keen on promoting renewables. Coal companies are going for both roof top solar and ground mounted solar projects. It has also been envisaged to develop solar parks in some of the reclaimed mining areas.

As on 26.05.2023, Coal/lignite PSUs have installed solar capacity of about 1656 MW and wind mills of 51 MW. Total Renewable energy is planned to install 5570 MW of renewable capacity by 2030.

Coal India Limited (CIL) is currently installed 11 MW as rooftop solar power. Coal India, a fossil fuel producer has aligned itself and is committed to become a Net Zero Energy Company and is in the process of implementing 3 GW solar power program by 2025-26. Total 398.8 MW capacity will be developed in FY2024, 1443 MW in FY2025 and 1158 MW in FY2026.

 400 KWp Rooftop Solar Installation in CCL (HQ), Ranchi
 400 KWp Rooftop Solar Installation in CCL (HQ), Ranchi
Solar Installation in CCL
Solar Installation in CCL
60 kWP installed on rooftop in Ballarpur Area Office, WCL
60 kWP installed on rooftop in Ballarpur Area Office, WCL


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SCCL: Solar Power Plant at Manuguru (30 MW)
SCCL: Solar Power Plant at Manuguru (30 MW)
SCCL: Solar Power Plant at STTP (10 MW)
SCCL: Solar Power Plant at STTP (10 MW)
Roof Top Solar Power Panels on Residential Building at Neyveli, NLCIL
Roof Top Solar Power Panels on Residential Building at Neyveli, NLCIL
Solar Power Panels at Block-4, Neyveli, NLCIL
Solar Power Panels at Block-4, Neyveli, NLCIL
NLCIL: Solar Power Panel in Ramanathapuram District
NLCIL: Solar Power Panel in Ramanathapuram District

NLCIL is the first CPSU to achieve installation of 1 GW of Renewable Energy. NLCIL already installed 1421 MW of Renewable and Generated Highest Ever 2.2 BU in FY 2022-23 which is Highest among CPSU Coal companies. By 2030 NLCIL will be +6 GW Renewable power Company.

One of the notable renewable projects of NLCIL has been installation of Solar Power Plant in Port Blair & South Andaman - integrated with 8 MWhr Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for smoothening the Solar Power export to the grid. Due to this plant, substantial portion of the day peak requirement of Port Blair & South Andaman will be met through solar power. This will bring down annual diesel consumption & also reduce carbon footprint.

NLCIL installed Wind Mills of 51 MW at Kazhuneerkulam, Tirunelveli district in the State of Tamil Nadu. The first wind turbine generator was commissioned on 29th August 2014 and 31 wind turbine generators have been commissioned till July 2015.
 

NLCIl : Wind Mill in Kazhuneerkulam, Tirunelveli District
NLCIl : Wind Mill in Kazhuneerkulam, Tirunelveli District

In line with the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Coal India Limited is setting up a Wafer Manufacturing Plant to strengthen the indigenous supply chain for ensuring availability of solar panels.