Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SSCL) is undertaking a pioneering initiative by constructing a solar power plant atop the dump of an overburdened (OB) opencast (OC)-I coal mine in the Ramagundam-III area. This project, claimed to be the first of its kind in the country, involves building the solar plant at a height of 120 metres above the ground.

The primary objective behind this venture is to reduce dependency on conventional energy sources and decrease expenditure on power payments to the Northern Power Distribution Company Limited (NPDCL). Initiated in June 2022, the 22-megawatt project spans across a 100-acre area and is slated for completion by July 2024.

According to officials, this initiative aligns with government directives to address public needs, given the limitations of thermal power plants. P Elisha, assistant general manager (AGM) of the RG-III area, highlighted that while Singareni Collieries typically focuses on afforestation drives atop OCs to mitigate pollution and optimise land usage, this marks the first instance of installing a solar plant.

Singareni Collieries is investing Rs 5 crore per megawatt to generate solar power, with an additional Rs 15 crore allocated for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services over a three-year period post-completion. Elisha explained that this provision is necessary due to the gradual decline in panel efficiency over time.

Meanwhile, the company has already established a 50-megawatt solar plant across 250 acres of land at ground level, which commenced operations in 2019. Currently, Singareni Collieries pays approximately Rs 240 crore annually to the Discom. However, upon the completion of the under-construction facility, the company anticipates saving approximately Rs 100 crore per annum.

The existing ground-level solar plant generates 2.40 lakh units daily out of the eight lakh units consumed, resulting in savings of around Rs 65 crore during the fiscal year 2023-24. With the upcoming 22-megawatt plant coming online, the company foresees an additional annual saving of around Rs 35 crore.

Image source: The Indian Express