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India's coal ministry pushes for diversification in CPSUs

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Announcement 28 Feb 2024 11:29 AM IST Economic Times

The Coal Ministry in India is pushing for major changes in the operations of central public sector units (CPSUs), including Coal India and NLC India. This move is in line with India's commitment to having a diverse energy mix. The ministry oversees two major CPSUs: Coal India Ltd (CIL) and NLC India Ltd (NLCIL).

To achieve this, the Ministry of Coal is encouraging CPSUs to diversify their activities. This includes setting up pit-head thermal power plants (TPPs), solar power plants, coal/lignite gasification plants, and exploring critical minerals. By using land that has been used for coal mining for these new projects, the ministry aims to ensure that both CPSUs have sustainable operations, even if there is a surplus of coal in the future.

Coal India Ltd is primarily a coal company with seven subsidiaries, while NLC India Ltd is involved in lignite, power generation, new renewable energy, and coal mining. The need for diversification has become apparent, particularly in light of the global focus on climate change. By diversifying into non-coal areas, these CPSUs can secure new business opportunities and make better use of their substantial reserves.

Coal India plays a crucial role in India's coal production, accounting for about 80 per cent of domestic production and approximately 65 per cent of fossil fuel consumption in the country. This push for diversification reflects India's commitment to adopting a more balanced and sustainable energy strategy.