NLC India (NLCIL) is planning large-scale pumped storage projects in Tamil Nadu and Odisha as it builds grid-scale assets to manage fluctuations in renewable power generation. The state-run company is developing its clean-energy portfolio through NLCIL Renewables, its dedicated green-energy arm.

NLCIL plans to increase its operational renewable energy capacity from 1.8 GW to more than 10 GW by 2030. It has set a longer-term capacity target of 32.7 GW by 2047, supporting its strategy to achieve a 50 per cent clean-energy share in its generation portfolio ahead of schedule.

The company is also establishing a pilot 4 MW solar-powered proton exchange membrane electrolyser-based green hydrogen plant at Neyveli. The facility is intended to support low-carbon industrialisation and reduce exposure to disruptions in global supply chains.

NLCIL is working with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras to develop advanced carbon capture systems. The collaboration forms part of the company’s efforts to reduce emissions from its operations while expanding its clean-energy and emerging-technology capabilities.

In the minerals sector, NLCIL has secured domestic composite exploration licences for phosphorite and limestone in Chhattisgarh, along with vanadium and titanium in Telangana. It is also examining overseas opportunities for critical minerals through KABIL, a government-backed company focused on securing such resources.

NLC India, a Navratna enterprise under the Coal Ministry, currently has power generation capacity of 8,405 MW and mining capacity of 59.1 mn t per annum. The company’s planned investments in storage, renewables, hydrogen, carbon capture and mineral exploration are intended to broaden its role in India’s energy transition while retaining its established mining and power operations.