In order to attain net zero carbon emissions over the next three years, the Coal Ministry wants to create 5,200 megawatts (mw) of solar energy. This would significantly reduce the carbon footprint of state-owned coal mining firms.
According to sources inside the Coal Ministry, the amount of thermal power now consumed in coal mining operations is around 5,000 mw. If it is able to produce 5,200 mw of solar energy over the course of the next three years, this would aid in the achievement of net zero status.
Because coal firms have land and money and because the government is enthusiastic about solar energy, sources informed IANS that 5,200 mw of solar electricity would be produced by all coal businesses over the course of the next three years.
They said that as of right now, coal firms have produced 1,600 mw of solar energy and that many projects are in various phases of development. They predicted that in three years, they would produce 5,200 mw of solar energy, which will assist coal businesses in achieving net zero status.
A source added, “If we generate 5,200 mw of solar energy, then we will be net zero in the next three years and in fact we will do much better than that. Currently, thermal-based power used in coal mining projects is around 5,000 mw.”
Coal and lignite firms are intent on boosting renewables in order to reduce the carbon footprint of mining and advance toward the goal of net zero carbon emission.
Both ground-mounted and roof-mounted solar installations are being pursued by coal firms. In several of the former mining regions, it has been planned to build solar parks.
As of May 26, coal and lignite PSUs have installed wind turbines with a capacity of 51 mw and solar panels with a capacity of about 1,656 mw. Coal firms intend to construct a total of 5,570 mw of renewable energy capacity by 2030, according to sources.
