SECL to establish 600 MW Solar Power Projects for Net Zero Energy

13 Jul 2023 CW Team

SECL, a prominent coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India, aims to develop both rooftop and ground-mounted solar power projects in the coming years. This ambition is in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader vision, "Panchamrit," announced during CoP-26, which seeks to attain Net Zero Emissions by 2070.

The miniratna public sector undertaking (PSU) plans to execute these projects, some of which will be implemented in the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) or Build-Own-Operate (BOO) mode. Presently, solar power projects exceeding 180 MW are in various stages of development across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Notably, SECL recently completed rooftop solar projects with a capacity of 580 kWp in Johilla, Jamuna-Kotma, and Kusmunda regions.

The commissioned capacity in the Johilla area, totaling around 280 kWp, represents the highest capacity rooftop solar project within the entire company. Solar panels have been installed at 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 savings of around Rs 2.1 million in power expenditure.

Among the ongoing projects, two significant solar ventures stand out, each with a capacity of 40 MW. One is a ground-mounted, grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) plant being developed in Bhatgaon and Bishrampur areas of Surajpur district in Chhattisgarh. The project is currently in the execution stage and anticipated to be commissioned in the fiscal year 2023.

Additionally, the management is preparing 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 initiated a tender process for a 4 MW rooftop solar project. Furthermore, feasibility studies are being conducted to explore the installation of a floating solar power plant at the Sharda OC mine in Sohagpur Area, Madhya Pradesh.

Coal India (CIL) has set an ambitious target of achieving a net-zero status by installing renewable energy projects with a capacity of 3,000 MW by 2026. This initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to reduce the company's carbon footprint and transition toward a more sustainable future.

Recently, CIL joined forces with Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL) to identify potential sites for pumped storage power (PSP) projects within its abandoned mines. By promoting renewable energy sources, CIL aims to decrease the carbon emissions associated with coal mining activities and move closer to the goal of net-zero carbon emissions. The power generated from these renewable projects will help balance the energy requirements of coal mining and related operations.

Coal India's subsidiary, South Eastern Coalfields (SECL), is embarking on a significant renewable energy endeavour by establishing solar power projects with a capacity of 600 megawatts (MW). This initiative, amounting to an investment exceeding Rs 10 billion, aligns with SECL's strategy to expand and diversify its business operations and achieve the Net Zero Energy objective, as stated by the coal ministry.SECL, a prominent coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India, aims to develop both rooftop and ground-mounted solar power projects in the coming years. This ambition is in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader vision, Panchamrit, announced during CoP-26, which seeks to attain Net Zero Emissions by 2070.The miniratna public sector undertaking (PSU) plans to execute these projects, some of which will be implemented in the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) or Build-Own-Operate (BOO) mode. Presently, solar power projects exceeding 180 MW are in various stages of development across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Notably, SECL recently completed rooftop solar projects with a capacity of 580 kWp in Johilla, Jamuna-Kotma, and Kusmunda regions.The commissioned capacity in the Johilla area, totaling around 280 kWp, represents the highest capacity rooftop solar project within the entire company. Solar panels have been installed at 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 savings of around Rs 2.1 million in power expenditure.Among the ongoing projects, two significant solar ventures stand out, each with a capacity of 40 MW. One is a ground-mounted, grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) plant being developed in Bhatgaon and Bishrampur areas of Surajpur district in Chhattisgarh. The project is currently in the execution stage and anticipated to be commissioned in the fiscal year 2023.Additionally, the management is preparing 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 initiated a tender process for a 4 MW rooftop solar project. Furthermore, feasibility studies are being conducted to explore the installation of a floating solar power plant at the Sharda OC mine in Sohagpur Area, Madhya Pradesh.Coal India (CIL) has set an ambitious target of achieving a net-zero status by installing renewable energy projects with a capacity of 3,000 MW by 2026. This initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to reduce the company's carbon footprint and transition toward a more sustainable future.Recently, CIL joined forces with Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL) to identify potential sites for pumped storage power (PSP) projects within its abandoned mines. By promoting renewable energy sources, CIL aims to decrease the carbon emissions associated with coal mining activities and move closer to the goal of net-zero carbon emissions. The power generated from these renewable projects will help balance the energy requirements of coal mining and related operations.

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