In a sign of boasting more than its conventional lignite-based power generation, the state-owned NLC India Limited has been ambitious in setting sight toward achieving 10,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This has been an ambitious shift that the company aligns itself with its growing focus on sustainable solutions in the wider context of a cleaner energy future. The company has already made considerable progress in the green energy segment: over 1,400 MW of renewable energy capacity is already commissioned.
Renewable energy commitment by NLCIL took another major step forward with the initiative into solar and wind power generation. The company currently operates 1,380 MW of solar power plants and 51 MW of wind power facilities, and it has planned significant expansions in the renewable portfolio over the next few years. For this growth, NLCIL has set up two new subsidiaries: NLC India Renewables Ltd. (NIRL) to focus on asset monetization and NLC India Green Energy Ltd. (NIGEL), which is spearheading the clean energy projects.
In a tendering process as part of its bold expansion plan, NLCIL recently signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Telangana state distribution companies, or discoms, for 200 mW of solar energy. The deal under the central PSU scheme marks the growing involvement of the company in competitive renewable energy projects.
As per the statement of the Ministry of Coal, it has already produced 1,234 crore units of green power through the prevention of one crore tons of carbon dioxide. As the statement suggests, this is proof of how well the company complies with climate change efforts in reducing carbon footprints and aiding India in achieving renewable energy targets. Being a part of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) has further solidified NLCIL’s place as a new-age player in the global renewable energy movement.
Projects are being worked on in many states of Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Assam to add renewable capacity to the companies. NLCIL, currently having a cumulative installed capacity of 1.4 GW, plans to quadruple the same by the end of the decade—a long-term move toward sustainability.
Conclusion
The shift of the company from lignite-based to renewable-energy-based power generation is one of the considerable steps for a full-fledged energy transition in India. With the ongoing projects and new subsidiaries giving impetus to its clean energy initiatives, NLCIL stands well in a position to meet the 10,000 MW target by 2030. Strategic pivot marks the role of NLCIL as a flagship company that supports the country’s overall objective of achieving renewable targets while making the future of the power sector cleaner.
Source: PTI