Pioneering Solar Energy on Overburden Lands
The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is launching a groundbreaking solar power generation unit in the Ramagundam-III area. This unique 22 MW solar plant, located 120 meters high atop the Over Burden (OB) of opencast-I coal mine, marks a first in the industry. The project, costing Rs 126 crore, aims to generate 1 MW of solar power for every Rs 5 crore invested.
Traditionally, SCCL used OB lands for large-scale plantations to mitigate pollution from mining activities. Now, they have introduced an innovative approach by utilizing OB lands for solar energy generation. Coal India officials, after visiting the unit, praised SCCL’s efforts in this innovative solar technology deployment.
Expanding Solar Capacity
Assistant General Manager of RG-III, P Elisha, detailed the project to reporters during a press tour. He highlighted that this is the first solar plant established on OB lands, coinciding with OCP-I’s 50th anniversary in October. A 50 MW unit already occupies 250 acres in OCP-I, with plans to expand RG-III’s solar power generation capacity to 100 MW by 2025-26.
Elisha explained that the Ramagundam coal belt requires 6 lakh units of power daily for industrial purposes and 2 lakh units for domestic use. By generating solar power, SCCL has significantly reduced power costs, saving Rs 4 crore this year and Rs 7 crore last year. The company’s annual power expenditure includes Rs 450 crore paid to NPDCL for 750 million units used by coal mines and residential areas, with Rs 250 crore spent in the Ramagundam area alone.
Focusing on Renewable Energy
The financial burden of purchasing power has led SCCL to prioritize renewable energy. Aiming to reduce power costs and achieve zero carbon emissions, SCCL set a target to generate 534 MW of solar power. Since 2018, the company has been constructing 300 MW plants across nine areas, commissioning them in phases.
In the second phase, SCCL is developing 232 MW across eight areas: Mandamarri (67.5 MW), Ramagundam-III (37 MW), Singareni Thermal Power Center (37.5 MW), Sattupalli (32.5 MW), Srirampur (27.5 MW), Illandu (15 MW), Bhupalapalli (10 MW), and Ramagundam-I (5 MW). This initiative will collectively generate approximately 800 million units of solar power across various SCCL sites.
Strategic Solar Energy Investments
SCCL’s commitment to solar energy reflects broader energy market trends and green energy policies. By integrating solar technology into their operations, SCCL is set to transform the solar energy market and lead in sustainable energy solutions. This strategic investment in solar power not only supports energy storage but also aligns with global efforts to enhance renewable energy sources.
Source：telanganatoday.com
