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PEKB becomes Chhattisgarh's first solar-powered coal mine, sets new benchmark in sustainable mining
RAIPUR:
In a ground breaking move toward sustainable mining, the Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) coal mine, located in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, has officially become the first coal mine in the state, and one of the first in India, to achieve complete energy self-sufficiency through solar power.
The milestone was marked with the inauguration of a 9-megawatt (MW) solar power plant, making PEKB a model for environmentally responsible mining practices.
The solar facility was inaugurated on Friday by Rajesh Agrawal, BJP MLA from Ambikapur, who symbolically switched on the panel board to mark the commissioning of the plant. The plant, spanning 30 acres of reclaimed land within the mine, represents a significant step in incorporating renewable energy into India's coal mining sector.
The development contract for the PEKB mine was awarded to Adani Enterprises following a competitive bidding process by the Government of Rajasthan.
A Green Shift in Mining
MLA Agrawal, during his visit, highlighted the importance of the solar power plant for both energy security and environmental sustainability.
"The installation of this solar power plant is a significant step in reducing carbon emissions. The plant will generate approximately 2.137 million units of electricity annually, offsetting about 17,094 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of planting 100,000 trees," Agrawal pointed out.
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He added that this initiative is a valuable contribution to India's transition towards clean energy.
Officials said that the solar project, developed by Mundra Solar PV Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Ltd., is expected to reduce nearly 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years, akin to the environmental benefits of planting 2.5 million trees.
During the inauguration, Agrawal also visited the mine's nursery area, where large-scale afforestation is in progress.
He planted a Sal tree sapling, an indigenous species crucial for the region's biodiversity.
"The plantation of over 1.5 million trees by the mine workers is an admirable effort. Special recognition is due for the cultivation of Sal trees, which are rare to propagate but hold immense ecological value," Agrawal stated.
PEKB, located in the Udaipur block of Chhattisgarh, is a critical source of coal for electricity generation, benefiting approximately 80 million consumers in Rajasthan.
Beyond its energy contributions, the mine plays a vital role in supporting local communities, creating employment opportunities, and fostering infrastructure development.
As part of its environmental and community welfare initiatives, PEKB has already planted over 1.568 million trees in the region. Additionally, more than 1,000 children are receiving free, quality education through English-medium schools operated by the project, ensuring the long-term social development of the local population.
The inauguration event was attended by senior officials from RRVUNL.
As Chhattisgarh continues to emerge as a leader in sustainable mining, the PEKB solar power plant stands as a shining example of how the sector can contribute to both energy security and environmental preservation, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a cleaner and greener future.
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