To boost India’s renewable energy sector, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, remotely inaugurated 51 rooftop solar power plants of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) from Ranchi under the Special Campaign 4.0 initiative. With a cumulative capacity of 2.428 MW, these solar installations highlight BCCL’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy practices and reducing carbon emissions.
During the inauguration, Satish Chandra Dubey praised BCCL’s initiative, emphasizing the importance of utilizing unused building spaces for renewable energy generation. He commended the company for its efforts in supporting India’s transition towards greener energy and noted that this development aligns with the broader goal of building a self-reliant nation through sustainable means.
BCCL Chairman and Managing Director, Samiran Dutta, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s advancement in renewable energy, stating that this landmark achievement is a testament to BCCL’s commitment to not only meeting the nation’s coking coal demands but also contributing to India’s renewable energy mission. The 51 rooftop solar plants reflect our long-term vision for a greener and more sustainable future.
The installations, spread across various BCCL facilities, contribute to the company’s renewable energy portfolio. BCCL, a leading subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) and India’s largest producer of coking coal, has been actively contributing to the “Mission Coking Coal” under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. In addition to the 2.428 MW of solar capacity added by these rooftop plants, BCCL currently operates 1.66 MW of rooftop solar plants at multiple locations.
Looking ahead, BCCL has ambitious plans to further its green energy commitment. A 3 MW rooftop solar plant is planned for the 2024-25 financial year, while a 20 MW ground-mounted solar project is underway at Dugdha Washery, expected to be completed by 2024. Additionally, a 25 MW ground-mounted solar project at Bhojudih Coal Washery is set to be finished by March 2025.
The launch of these solar initiatives is a part of BCCL’s broader strategy to balance its core coal production mission with innovative and eco-friendly initiatives. With these ongoing projects, the company continues to play a pivotal role in India’s energy transformation, reducing its environmental footprint while embracing technological advancements in both energy and mining sectors.
