SECL exploring JVs with Chhattisgarh Govt. in floating solar, coal gassification: Chairman Harish Duhan

South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. (SECL) is exploring joint-venture agreements with the State government of Chhattisgarh for floating solar and surface coal gasification projects, Chairman and Managing Director Harish Duhan told The Hindu in an interaction Monday. The Bilaspur-headquartered miner aspires to institute 626 megawatt (MW) of solar energy capacity by FY2027-28. Further, the joint venture on gasification is part of their design to pursue the method in a revenue-sharing mode.

Floating solar initiative

Elaborating on their ongoing discussions about floating solar, Mr. Duhan stated, “We had discussions with the Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL) to pursue floating solar projects considering the State is blessed with large reservoirs,” adding, “At present, a guiding larger policy on the front is to be formulated [within the state], and discussions are ongoing.”

Other than this, Mr. Duhan stated SECL would also be looking to tap into their closed mines to establish solar power projects alongside contributing to parent Coal India’s ongoing projects in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Gasification push

Mr. Duhan held the discussions about a JV with Chhattisgarh government is in “conceptual stages”.

“At present, Chhattisgarh government is looking to incentivise coal gasification projects,” he stated, adding, “Positive discussions have been held [towards instituting one]. Then, we shall proceed further and make it formal.”

The Chairperson underlined that gasification as a process entail establishing a dedicated setup that converts extracted coal into gas. “This is an additional cost,” he said.

‘Coal would retain its position in thermal power generation’

Responding to a question about substantial increase in renewable power installations, and coal continuing to command a dominant position in power generation, the chairperson held that coal is a “cheaper source, abundantly available and offers stability of power”. Thus, exuding confidence in the black carbon commodity retaining their dominant position.

“At present, solar and wind-based electricity lacks consistency. Stability of power is imperative in a growing economy like ours, thus, coal would continue to essay an important role,” he held.

Mr. Duhan held power from renewable sources would essay a complimenting role to thermal power.

Other than their focus on coal, Mr. Duhan informed that Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Ltd (CMPDIL) has helped identified seven SECL mines for possibilities to extract critical minerals. “We would also be looking to identify critical minerals in our overburdened dumps, and accordingly plan the realm in a larger way,” he explained.

All avenues combined, the Bilaspur-headquartered public sector undertaking intends to spend ₹4,000 crore in capital expenditure this year.