Sustainable mining: Coal India Ltd off blocks in hunt for green energy
The power purchase agreement (PPA) signed recently between the Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Gujarat Urja Vikash Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) for supply of solar power to Gujarat, though small in size as it pertains to a 100-MW plant in the state, marks an important milestone in its journey towards becoming a carbon-neutral company.
The PPA, signed for a tenure of 25 years, materialised after reverse auction bidding, with CIL quoting the lowest tariff of Rs 2.20 per unit among 10 bidders, which included experienced players like NTPC and SJVNL. The coal producer’s foray into solar generation would entail the development of a 100-MW solar power plant at an expenditure of Rs 442 crore in the state.
