Solar Energy Boost from Abandoned Coal Mines

India eyes solar power from dead mines

Solar Energy Boost from Abandoned Coal Mines: India is moving in a new direction by looking at abandoned coal mines as a fresh source of solar energy. These neglected lands, once dug deep for fossil fuel extraction, are now getting attention as possible solar parks. Turning damaged land into productive space not only meets growing energy needs but also creates much-needed jobs.

Unused coal sites offer clean energy hope

There are 63 disused coal mine sites across India, covering over 500 square kilometres. If properly utilized, these sites could produce about 27.11 gigawatts of solar power. That’s nearly 37% of India’s current solar energy output. States like Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh top the list, as they hold the largest areas of available land from closed coal mines. In fact, they are part of the top 20 global regions with such potential.

World shifts away from coal

Around 3,800 coal mines operate globally, producing nearly all of the world’s coal. But with 33 countries pledging to phase out coal, many of these mines will soon shut down. That opens a new window for solar redevelopment projects. Countries are slowly recognising the need to replace fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives.

Environmental hazards of dead mines

When coal mines shut down, they often leave behind more than just empty land. Methane gas, a powerful greenhouse gas, continues to leak from these old mines. It has a far greater warming effect than carbon dioxide. Besides this, such sites can become dangerous over time—posing risks of accidents or even landslides if left unmanaged. This adds urgency to repurposing them properly.

Global potential beyond Indian borders

India isn’t alone in this transition. Nations like Australia, Indonesia, and the United States also hold great potential to convert closed mines into solar energy hubs. A study of 28 countries found enough surface coal mine land that could generate up to 288 gigawatts of solar power. The good news is many of these lands are already near power lines, reducing the cost and effort of setting up new infrastructure.

Solar jobs could replace coal employment

The shift from coal to solar doesn’t just save the planet—it supports people too. Experts estimate around 259,700 permanent jobs can be created in areas like solar panel manufacturing, transport, and maintenance. Temporary jobs during construction could total another 317,500. This shows that the solar shift could absorb more workers than the number of jobs expected to vanish from the coal industry by 2035.

Barriers to a smooth solar shift

Still, this green dream comes with challenges. Many communities living near mines worry about losing land or facing health issues. Some developers have ignored local voices, which leads to tension. Plus, land ownership issues are tricky. Many old mines don’t have proper paperwork or policies, which makes the solar handover complex. These gaps must be addressed for a smooth transition.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table