New Delhi: South Eastern Coalfields (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has announced plans to invest over ₹1,000 crore to set up solar power projects with a total capacity of 600 megawatts (MW). The move is part of SECL's strategy to expand its business and achieve the goal of "Net Zero Energy," in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Panchamrit" initiative to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070, as announced at CoP-26.

The miniratna PSU intends to develop these solar projects through various models, including the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) or Build-Own-Operate (BOO) mode. Currently, SECL has solar power projects totaling over 180 MW in different stages of development across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

SECL has recently commissioned rooftop solar projects with a capacity of 580 kWp in the Johilla, Jamuna-Kotma, and Kusmunda areas. The Johilla area project, with a capacity of around 280 kWp, is the largest rooftop solar project within the company. Solar panels have been installed at various locations, including the Administrative Building GM office, SECL-run Kendriya Vidyalaya, Regional Hospital, and the Area's Guesthouse. This project is expected to generate approximately 420,000 units of electricity, resulting in an annual saving of about ₹21 lakh in power expenditure.

The largest solar projects under development include two 40 MW ground-mounted, grid-connected solar PV plants in Bhatgaon and Bishrampur areas of Chhattisgarh's Surajpur district. The project in Bhatgaon is in the execution stage and is likely to be commissioned during FY23. Furthermore, SECL is working on a project report for the installation of another 40 MW ground-mounted solar PV plant in the Johilla area of Madhya Pradesh.

SECL has also floated a tender for a 4 MW rooftop solar project and is exploring the feasibility of installing a floating solar power plant at the Sharda OC mine in the Sohagpur Area of Madhya Pradesh.

Coal India Limited (CIL) has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero status by installing 3,000 MW of renewable energy projects by 2026, as part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to a more sustainable future. In line with this objective, CIL has partnered with Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL) to identify potential sites for pumped storage power (PSP) projects within its abandoned mines.

By promoting renewable energy, CIL aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with coal mining activities and work towards the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions. The generated power from these solar projects will help meet the energy requirements for coal mining and related activities.