Coal-fired power companies aim to increase renewable capacity six-fold by 2029

Coal sector PSUs Coal India Limited (CIL) and Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) are developing solar, wind and pumped energy storage capacities to achieve their net zero emission targets and generate surplus renewable energy (RE). With a combined installed RE capacity of 1,700 MW, both PSUs are targeting 10,000 MW of RE capacity by 2029.

While private companies operating in the non-energy sector are making their own decisions on decarbonisation plans, many exporters in various sectors such as automotive, steel and other heavy industries are reducing their carbon emissions by reducing their use of coal to meet requirements such as carbon taxes.

Stating that the government has a clear vision to increase the use of renewable energy, the Ministry of Coal clarified that thermal energy will continue to be the primary source of energy.

While coal gasification is being promoted in the chemical industry to reduce CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions, a Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued to attract private sector interest in a Cabinet-approved coal gasification program worth ₹8,500 crores.

As part of its ongoing efforts to make coal mining environmentally sustainable, the Ministry of Coal is using surplus land for afforestation, solar energy generation and conversion into water reservoirs.

The ministry said the reuse of de-coaled areas is considered a top priority by both the public and private sectors, with efforts being made to ensure that the surface of closed mines is returned to its pre-mining condition.