The plan to entail an investment of over Rs 1000 crore in the renewable energy
Team News Riveting
Raipur, July 11
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), one of the largest coal-producing subsidiaries of Coal India has planned to develop roof-top and ground mounted solar power projects of more than 600 MW capacity in the coming years.
This is part of the company’s strategy to expand and diversify its business and achieve the “Net Zero Energy” goal. The strategy is in line with the larger goal of “Panchamrita” announced by Hon’ble Prime Minster Shri Narendra Modi at COP-26 to achieve the feat of Net Zero Emissions by 2070. The Miniratna PSU is planning to develop these projects at a cost of more than Rs 1000 crore. Some of these projects would be implemented in RESCO(Renewable Energy Service Company)/BOO (Build-Own-Operate) mode.
The company official stated that solar power projects of more than 180 MW are already in various phases of development in its operational areas spread in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. It has recently commissioned roof-top solar projects of 580 kWp capacity in Johilla, Jamuna-Kotma, and Kusmunda Areas.
“At Johilla Area, the commissioned capacity is about 280 kWp which is the highest capacity rooftop solar project in the entire company. Solar panels have been installed at Administrative Building GM office, SECL-run Kendriya Vidyalaya, Regional Hospital, and at Area’s Guest house. The project will generate about 4,20,000 units of electricity throughout the year, saving about Rs 21 lakh annually in power expenditure.”, an official from the area located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh stated.
The largest two solar projects under implementation are of 40 MW capacity each. A 40 MW ground mounted, grid connected solar PV plant is being developed on company’s own land in Bhatgaon and Bishrampur areas located in Chattisgarh’s Surajpur district under tribal dominated Surguja region of the state. The project is at execution stage and is expected to be commissioned in this fiscal. The management is also working on a project report for installation of another 40 MW ground mounted solar PV plant in Johilla area in Madhya Pradesh. SECL has also floated a tender for a 4 MW rooftop solar project which will cover all Areas. While feasibility of installation of a floating solar power plant at Sharda OC mine in Sohagpur Area in Madhya Pradesh is also being explored.
It may be noted that Coal India, the largest coal behemoth in the world, has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero status by installing 3000 MW capacity renewable energy projects by 2026. This is a part of a broader plan to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and move towards a more sustainable future. Recently Coal India has teamed up with Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) to explore potential sites for pumped storage power (PSP) projects within its abandoned mines. The company plans to use mine voids filled with water and OB dumps for solar installation as well as implementation of hydro pump storage.
SECL contributed around one-fourth of CIL’s total coal production in FY 2022-23. It is promoting renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint of coal mining and move towards the goal of net zero carbon emissions. With the power generated from these projects, the company is striving to balance its power needs related to coal mining and allied activities. Company will also save on electricity expenditure with these solar projects.
