India’s Solar Future

India’s Solar Future: Unlocking Clean Energy from Abandoned Coal Mines

India, a nation historically dependent on coal, is now spearheading a transformative energy shift by tapping into the solar power potential of abandoned coal mines. With over 63 disused coal mine sites spanning more than 500 square kilometres, India is positioned to generate a staggering 27.11 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy from these locations—equivalent to nearly 37% of the country’s existing solar capacity.

As the global focus intensifies on renewable energy and sustainability, India’s strategy reflects a groundbreaking approach that addresses climate goals and leverages degraded land to meet its growing energy demands.

🌞 Abandoned Coal Mines: A New Solar Frontier

India’s coal mining legacy has left vast tracts of land idle after extraction activities ceased. These former coal sites, primarily located in states such as Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, now represent an untapped opportunity for clean energy generation.

Recent studies suggest these sites are not just vast and underutilised—they’re also well-positioned in terms of solar irradiance and proximity to power grid infrastructure, making them ideal for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations.

🌍 The Global Shift from Coal to Clean Energy

Globally, more than 3,800 coal mines remain operational, contributing to 95% of global coal production. However, with at least 33 countries pledging to phase out coal, there is a clear trend toward cleaner alternatives. As coal mines shut down, an opportunity arises: repurpose this land for renewable energy, particularly solar.

A global analysis highlights that 28 countries have abandoned surface coal mines suitable for solar development. The combined solar generation potential of these lands is estimated at 288 GW, a substantial contribution to global clean energy targets.

⚠️ Environmental and Safety Concerns of Abandoned Mines

Unmanaged abandoned coal mines pose significant environmental risks, most notably methane leakage. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with over 80 times the warming potential of CO₂ over a 20-year period. In addition to climate risks, these sites often present physical hazards, including unstable ground and contamination.

Transitioning these sites into solar parks could play a dual role: generating clean energy while mitigating environmental degradation. However, this transition must be accompanied by robust land rehabilitation protocols to ensure safety and sustainability.

💼 Employment Generation: A Just Energy Transition

One of the key benefits of converting abandoned coal mines to solar parks is job creation. Estimates suggest that such projects could create over 259,700 permanent jobs across manufacturing, maintenance, and operations. Furthermore, temporary and construction-based jobs could add another 317,500 opportunities—far outpacing the expected job losses in coal mining by 2035.

This renewable energy shift is not just an environmental necessity; it also represents an opportunity for economic revitalisation, particularly in regions previously dependent on coal employment.

🛠️ Challenges in Solar Redevelopment of Former Mine Lands

While the benefits are substantial, challenges remain in realising the solar potential of abandoned coal mines. These include:

• Land ownership and legal rights: Many closed mines have unclear or disputed land titles, complicating development approvals.

• Community acceptance: Local communities may raise concerns over land use changes, environmental impacts, and lack of direct benefits.

• Policy and regulation gaps: There is currently limited legal clarity on how mine land can be repurposed for renewable energy, requiring tailored legislation.

Addressing these issues will require inclusive planning, community engagement, and policy innovation to ensure that solar redevelopment is sustainable and equitable.

India’s Leadership in Clean Energy Innovation

India’s approach to redeveloping coal mine lands for solar use is part of its broader ambition to become a global clean energy leader. With its National Solar Mission and commitments under the Paris Agreement, India aims to reach 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.

Tapping into the potential of abandoned coal mines not only supports this target but also contributes to a just energy transition—where economic, environmental, and social goals align.

✅ Conclusion

The initiative to generate solar power from abandoned coal mines in India represents a strategic, scalable, and sustainable solution to the country’s growing energy demands. With over 27 GW of potential waiting to be harnessed, this green transformation can drive climate action, job creation, and rural development—turning once-polluted lands into beacons of clean energy.

As India continues to innovate in renewable energy, the world is watching—and learning.