Mumbai Coal Sector Receives ₹8,500 Crore Boost For Sustainable Energy Transition
The Indian coal sector is set to undergo a major transformation with a ₹8,500 crore investment aimed at promoting cleaner energy and sustainability initiatives. The fund will support coal gasification projects, large-scale plantation under ecological restoration programmes, and the expansion of renewable energy within coal operations. These measures are designed to reduce emissions, rehabilitate mining regions, and integrate sustainable practices, aligning the industry with India’s Net-Zero 2070 ambitions.
A significant portion of the investment will be channelled into the National Coal Gasification Mission, encouraging projects that convert coal and lignite into cleaner gaseous fuels. Gasification technologies are expected to lower carbon emissions compared with conventional coal combustion and provide industries with more sustainable energy alternatives. “Gasification offers a practical pathway to cleaner energy while sustaining industrial growth,” an official from the Ministry of Coal said, highlighting the strategic importance of this initiative.Alongside cleaner coal technologies, Mission GREEN will focus on ecological restoration across mining regions. Nearly 3,000 hectares have already been brought under plantation to rehabilitate degraded land, improve biodiversity, and enhance ecological resilience. Experts note that such green initiatives not only mitigate environmental damage but also provide livelihood support for communities affected by mining.
The Ministry also emphasised the integration of renewable energy within coal operations. Coal public sector units have collectively installed over 2 GW of renewable capacity, predominantly through solar and wind power. This hybrid approach reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributes to net-zero goals, and demonstrates the sector’s potential to adopt sustainable infrastructure without compromising energy availability. “Blending renewable energy with coal operations is key to a balanced and sustainable energy strategy,” a senior energy analyst commented.Collectively, these efforts reflect a broader government strategy to modernise the coal sector while advancing environmental stewardship. By combining technological innovation, afforestation, and renewable energy integration, India is laying the foundation for a greener coal industry capable of supporting economic growth alongside climate goals.
Industry observers note that the initiatives may serve as a model for sustainable practices in energy-intensive sectors, showing that decarbonisation and industrial development can progress in tandem. For coal-dependent regions, this transformation promises cleaner air, ecological restoration, and long-term resilience, supporting a future in which urban and industrial development coexist with environmental sustainability.
