In a significant move towards harnessing green energy resources, the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy have joined forces to bolster the promotion of clean energy solutions. During a recent high-level meeting between the secretaries of both ministries, a strategic partnership was forged. Under this collaboration, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy will provide essential technical, policy, and capacity-building support, while the Ministry of Coal will contribute by offering land, capital, and actively undertake the implementation of projects related to solar energy, green hydrogen, and other renewable energy endeavours.
Momentum in Clean Energy Initiatives
Central public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Coal, including Coal India Limited, NLCIL, and SCCL, have already embarked on an ambitious net-zero plan as part of their commitment to the Panchamrit targets. As a testament to their dedication, they have successfully installed over 1600 MW of solar energy generation capacity. Furthermore, they have an additional 500 MW of solar projects at various stages of development.
In the collaborative meeting, it was identified that coal companies possess surplus land masses that can be effectively utilized by private investors for establishing green hydrogen projects. Some of the de-coaled landmasses within coal CPSEs, particularly in open-cast mines with natural water storage reservoirs and an elevation of approximately 100 meters, present an opportunity for the construction of top reservoirs to transform them into pump storage projects. Plans to expedite the establishment of such projects were set in motion.
Moreover, the considerable landmass in the form of overburden dumps managed by coal CPSEs presents an opportunity to establish solar projects. In this regard, the meeting resolved to undertake a comprehensive assessment and to ensure that all government buildings and residences in coal-bearing regions have rooftop solar panels installed on a mission mode.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will contribute to this endeavour by supporting the capacity building of engineers, technicians, and other personnel through the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE). The collaboration will also extend to knowledge partnerships through institutions such as IIT Roorkee, Solar Energy Corporation of India, and other resource agencies associated with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
Towards a Greener Future
Under the collaborative initiative, CPSEs within the Ministry of Coal are poised to generate a capacity of approximately 12 GW by the year 2030. The Ministry of Coal is actively identifying land parcels, each exceeding 300 acres, to offer to private investors for the establishment of green hydrogen projects in accordance with the policies of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. This dynamic partnership marks a pivotal step forward in India’s pursuit of a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.
The concerted efforts of both ministries are expected to play a vital role in advancing the nation’s green energy objectives while leveraging the available resources and expertise to propel the growth of renewable energy solutions in India.