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TFP Bureau, New Delhi; September 28, 2024: NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, proudly celebrates a decade of renewable energy generation today. The milestone commemorates the commissioning of its first 10 MW solar photovoltaic power plant in Neyveli on September 28, 2015, marking the company’s ambitious foray into green energy.
NLCIL’s journey aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India’s energy sector from “Megawatts to Gigawatts.” Since the Prime Minister’s call to embrace renewable energy in 2015, NLC India Limited has emerged as a trailblazer, becoming the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to generate 1 GW of renewable energy. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Primarily known for its lignite-based power generation, NLCIL has expanded its renewable portfolio with 1,380 MW of solar power plants and 51 MW of wind power plants. So far, the company has generated 1,234 crore units of green energy, preventing the emission of 1 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide. This initiative has not only provided affordable and sustainable power but also significantly enhanced the quality of life for millions across the country.
NLCIL’s long-term vision includes scaling its renewable energy capacity to 10,000 MW by 2030. To achieve this ambitious target, the company has established subsidiaries—NLC India Renewables Ltd (NIRL) for asset monetization and NLC India Green Energy Ltd (NIGEL) to lead clean energy projects. Additionally, NLCIL’s active participation in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) further highlights its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Under the leadership of Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy, NLCIL continues to drive innovation in renewable energy. The company is actively exploring projects in solar and wind power, energy storage systems (ESS), green hydrogen, lignite-to-methanol conversion, and critical mineral exploration. NLCIL is also focusing on pioneering initiatives like mine overburden-to-sand conversion and pumped storage hydro projects.
With its current renewable energy capacity standing at 1.4 GW, NLCIL is on track to quadruple this figure by 2030. Major renewable projects are underway in Neyveli, Barsingsar (Rajasthan), Gujarat, and Assam. In a significant development, NLCIL recently signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Telangana’s DISCOMs for 200 MW of solar energy under the Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) scheme.
As NLCIL embarks on its next decade of green energy generation, the company remains steadfast in contributing to Prime Minister Modi’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070, advancing India’s path towards a sustainable future.
