Coal India Expands Beyond Coal: Wins 600 MW Solar Project in Uttar Pradesh, Plans ₹1,900 Crore R&D Investment by FY30 – Indian PSU
Maharatna PSU Coal India Limited (CIL) has signalled a decisive shift in its long-term growth strategy, making it clear that the company is no longer looking to remain solely a coal producer. As part of its diversification roadmap, Coal India has secured a major 600 MW solar power project in Uttar Pradesh while simultaneously unveiling an ambitious plan to invest nearly ₹1,900 crore in Research & Development (R&D) by FY2030.
The twin developments underscore the state-owned mining giant’s commitment to expanding its footprint in renewable energy, clean technologies, and advanced mining innovations.
Coal India Wins 600 MW Solar Project in Uttar Pradesh
Coal India Limited has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from Bundelkhand Saur Urja Limited for the development of a 600 MW (2 × 300 MW) solar power project at the Jalaun Solar Park in Uttar Pradesh.
Project Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Capacity | 600 MW (300 MW × 2) |
| Location | Jalaun Solar Park, Uttar Pradesh |
| Estimated Project Cost | ₹2,831.11 crore |
| Tariff | ₹2.73 per unit |
| Execution Timeline | Within 18 months from signing of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) |
| Awarding Agency | Bundelkhand Saur Urja Limited |
Before commencing construction, Coal India will execute the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Implementation Support Agreement (ISA) and other statutory agreements related to the project.
A Major Milestone in Coal India’s Green Energy Journey
The solar project represents a significant step in Coal India’s strategy to diversify its revenue streams beyond coal mining. As India’s energy landscape undergoes a rapid transition towards renewable sources, the company is positioning itself as an important player in the clean energy sector.
The 600 MW project is expected to strengthen Coal India’s non-coal business portfolio while contributing to the country’s renewable energy capacity and long-term sustainability goals.
Coal India to Invest ₹1,900 Crore in R&D by FY2030
In another strategic move, Coal India has announced plans to invest approximately ₹1,900 crore in Research & Development by FY2030, reflecting its growing emphasis on technology-driven transformation.
The company disclosed the investment plan in a regulatory filing dated June 30, highlighting its commitment to developing cleaner, safer and more efficient mining and energy technologies.
To spearhead these efforts, Coal India has established the National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER), which will function as the central hub for coordinating all major R&D initiatives across the company.
R&D Spending Sees Sharp Increase
| Financial Year | R&D Expenditure |
| FY2024 | ₹61 crore |
| FY2025 | ₹245 crore |
| FY2030 Target | Approximately ₹1,900 crore |
The company’s R&D expenditure has increased nearly fourfold within a year, signalling a significant shift towards innovation-led growth.
Collaboration with Premier IITs
Coal India has also partnered with leading Indian Institutes of Technology to establish three Centres of Excellence dedicated to energy, mining and clean technology research.
These include:
- CLEANZ at IIT Hyderabad
- Centre for Sustainable Energy at IIT Madras
- Innovation in Mining (IMiN) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
The company has committed approximately ₹253 crore in phased funding for these collaborative research programmes.
Multiple Research Projects Underway
Coal India is currently implementing an extensive research portfolio aimed at developing next-generation technologies.
According to the company:
- 19 in-house R&D projects are currently under execution with a combined investment of nearly ₹225 crore.
- 13 additional research projects are being undertaken through the IIT Centres of Excellence.
- The projects primarily focus on prototype development, advanced mining technologies, clean coal solutions and emerging energy applications.
Strategic Transformation Underway
Coal India’s latest initiatives reflect a broader transformation strategy that balances its core coal business with investments in renewable energy, technological innovation and sustainable development. The company’s growing presence in solar power and increased focus on R&D indicate that it is preparing for a future where diversification, innovation and clean energy will play an increasingly important role alongside conventional mining operations.
