South Eastern Coalfields to develop 600 MW solar power projects

South Eastern Coalfields (SECL), one of the largest coal-producing subsidiaries of Coal India, announced its plans to develop rooftop and ground mounted solar power projects with a capacity of 600 MW in the coming years. This initiative is part of SECL's strategy to expand and diversify its business while aiming to achieve the goal of ‘Net Zero Energy.’ The company intends to invest over Rs 10 billion in these projects, some of which will be implemented through RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company)/BOO (Build-Own-Operate) mode. The decision to pursue solar power projects aligns with the broader objective of Panchamrit, which was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at CoP-26. The goal of Panchamrit is to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070. SECL, a Miniratna PSU, aims to contribute to this objective by developing solar power projects. SECL has already made progress in its renewable energy endeavours. Solar power projects with a capacity exceeding 180 MW are currently in various stages of development across SECL's operational areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, the company has recently completed rooftop solar projects with a capacity of 580 kWp in Johilla, Jamuna-Kotma, and Kusmunda Areas. The highest-capacity rooftop solar project within the entire company, with a capacity of approximately 280 kWp, has been commissioned in the Johilla Area. Solar panels have been installed at several locations, including the Administrative Building GM office, SECL-run Kendriya Vidyalaya, Regional Hospital, and the Area's Guesthouse. This project is expected to generate about 420,000 units of electricity, resulting in an annual cost savings of approximately Rs 21 lakh. SECL's largest ongoing solar projects consist of two ground mounted projects with a capacity of 40 MW each. The first project is a grid-connected solar PV plant being developed on SECL's land in Bhatgaon and Bishrampur areas in Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh. The project is currently under execution and is projected to be commissioned during the current fiscal year. Additionally, the management is working on a project report for a 40 MW ground mounted solar PV plant in the Johilla area of Madhya Pradesh. SECL has also issued 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 Sohagpur Area, Madhya Pradesh. Coal India has set an ambitious target to achieve a net-zero status by installing 3000 MW capacity renewable energy projects by 2026. This plan is part of the company's broader efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to a more sustainable future. To this end, Coal India has partnered with Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL) to identify potential sites for pumped storage power (PSP) projects within its abandoned mines. It is worth mentioning that SECL contributed around one-fourth of CIL's total coal production in FY 2022-23. By promoting renewable energy, SECL aims to mitigate the carbon footprint associated with coal mining and work towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The power generated from the aforementioned solar projects will help SECL meet its energy requirements for coal mining and related activities. Also read: Hild Electric bags NTPC order for alkaline electrolysers FIVE becomes first hotel to obtain i-RECs in UAE