The Union Coal Ministry has given a target of 7,231 MW of renewable energy by 2027 to all its Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).

Also, the Union Ministry of Coal has advised CPSEs to prepare a draft plan for zero carbon emissions for the coal mining sector.

The Ministry of Coal has ambitious plans to significantly contribute to the country's renewable energy needs, keeping in mind both the responsibility of reducing carbon emissions and the future sustainability of coal companies.
Under this, all subsidiary coal companies have been instructed to achieve the target of net zero carbon emissions within the prescribed schedule.

Three-year action plan

In line with the national commitment, the Coal Public Sector Undertakings have carefully prepared a three-year action plan outlining specific renewable targets.
Accordingly, Coal India Limited (CIL) plans to set up 3,000 MW and its subsidiaries and Neyveli Lignite Corporation of India Limited (NLCIL) 3,731 MW of renewable energy capacity.
The ambitious plan aims to achieve a total renewable energy capacity of over 7,231 MW by the year 2027.
In this, about 1600 MW of renewable capacity has already been created by March 2023.
Work for 1,769 MW has been awarded for the financial year 2023-24.
A capacity of 2,553 MW is to be achieved in the next financial year 2024-25.

Setting up of large solar parks in Gujarat and Rajasthan

CIL and NLCIL are planning to set up large solar parks in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
CIL has already signed an agreement for sale of 100 MW to Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), Gujarat for its first venture in solar power. Has also entered into Joint Venture with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) for setting up 1190 MW Solar Park.
NLCIL has already awarded the work of 300 MW Solar Power Plant to M/s Tata Power Limited. NLCIL has also won a tender for a solar park under the Green Shoe option and another 300 MW solar park with a potential of 300 MW to be set up in Gujarat.

Installation of Solar Power Plant by CIL and NLCIL

CIL and its subsidiaries are actively setting up large scale solar power plants on their coal free lands and overburden dumps.
They are equipping all the houses of subsidiary coal companies with rooftop solar facilities.
NLCIL has formed a JV with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to set up a 1500 MW floating solar power plant at Rihand Reservoir.

Coal India Limited (CIL)

CIL is a wholly owned Government of India Company, subordinate to the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. It is the largest coal mining company in India and also in the world.
It is a Schedule 'A' 'Navratna' Public Sector Undertaking.
Established: November 1975
Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
Chairman-cum-Managing Director: PM Prasad

Neyveli Lignite Corporation of India Limited (NLCIL)

NLCIL produces about 30 million tonnes of lignite annually from opencast mines at Neyveli in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India and Barsingsar in the district of Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan.
Lignite is used for power generation in pithead thermal power stations with an installed capacity of 3240 MW.