Coal India Ltd (CIL) to set up 1190 MW solar power project in Rajasthan

In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by CIL Chairman Pramod Agrawal and Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) CMD Rajesh Kumar Sharma in presence of Coals and Mines Minister Pralhad Joshi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

The proposed project will come up in Rajasthan’s upcoming solar park cleared under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks.

Speaking on the occasion, Joshi said that India has sufficient coal reserves to last for up to 50 years but the emphasis now lies on the production of clean coal and steps are being taken in this direction.

He said eight million tonne stocks of the black fuel are available at present and the state governments must go for innovative solutions to ease out transport bottlenecks.

Rail cum sea route is now preferred to transport coal as it saves transportation time, Joshi underscored.

The Minister said that steps are being taken to resolve the energy issues of all the states.

The new solar project in Rajasthan would boost CIL’s pursuit of solar power generation as part of its diversification programme for clean coal energy.

The project would begin in a phased manner and is expected to be an employment generator in the state apart from providing cleaner power.