The Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) is expanding its business into diversified sectors as part of a joint venture between the Telangana and Rajasthan governments. The company has decided to establish solar and thermal power plants in Rajasthan, with a combined capacity of 3,100 megawatts. This includes 1,500 MW of solar power and a 1,600 MW thermal power plant. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalizing this agreement was signed in Jaipur in the presence of government representatives from both states. The MoU was signed by SCCL’s Chairman and Managing Director, along with Rajasthan’s Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), representing the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam (RVUNL). Under this joint venture, SCCL will hold a 74 per cent stake, including investments and profits, while RVUNL will have a 24 per cent stake. This marks the first time in its 136-year history that SCCL has partnered with a power utility from another state. The collaboration is expected to play a significant role in fulfilling the energy demands of both Telangana and Rajasthan. With its extensive coal reserves, Telangana has established expertise in coal-based power generation, while Rajasthan’s vast potential for solar energy makes it an ideal location for renewable power projects. As part of the agreement, RVUNL will be responsible for selecting the sites for the solar and thermal plants and handing them over to SCCL for development. SCCL currently operates a 1,200 MW thermal power plant and has a solar power generation capacity of 245.5 MW, with plans to increase it to 450 MW by 2026. Additionally, the company is set to commence coal mining operations in the Naini Block in Odisha by the end of the month and has proposed another 1,600 MW thermal power plant in that region. News source: The Hindu