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Coal Sector Drives India's Green Agenda: Achieves Significant Energy Efficiency Milestones

The Coal Sector emerges as a key player in leading energy conservation and efficiency measures, recognizing the vital importance of judicious energy resource utilization.

India reaffirms its commitment to reducing the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, aligning with the updated National Determined Contributions (NDC). 

The Coal Sector emerges as a key player in leading energy conservation and efficiency measures, recognizing the vital importance of judicious energy resource utilization.

Over the past three years, Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have diligently pursued various energy conservation initiatives. These efforts include energy audits, transitioning to energy-efficient LED lights, adopting star-rated appliances, installing capacitor banks, utilizing auto-timers in street lights, and deploying energy-efficient pumps and electric vehicles.

Coal India Limited has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Energy Efficiency Services Limited to implement comprehensive Energy Efficiency Programs. This initiative encompasses Building Energy Efficiency Projects (BEEP), the replacement of outdated appliances, the adoption of electric vehicles, and the installation of distributed and rooftop solar projects.

A landmark achievement for Coal/Lignite PSUs is the successful replacement of all conventional lights with energy-efficient LED lights across their command areas, premises, headquarters, mines, offices, warehouses, colonies, residences, campuses, restrooms, etc. This extensive implementation not only addresses lighting requirements but also reflects a dedicated effort to replace inefficient lighting systems with environmentally friendly alternatives.

From FY 2021-22 to December 2023, Coal/Lignite PSUs have made commendable efforts towards energy efficiency, replacing conventional lights with LED lights, energy-efficient air conditioners, super fans, electric vehicles, water heaters, motors for pumps, auto-timers in street lights, and installing capacitor banks. 

These measures have resulted in significant energy savings of 14.34 crore kWh and financial savings amounting to INR 107.6 crore. Moreover, they played a vital role in promoting environmental sustainability, with a collective reduction of 1.17 lakh tonnes of CO2 equivalent in carbon emissions.

Secretary (Coal) reviewed the Energy Efficiency Measures undertaken by Coal/Lignite PSUs on January 19, 2024, appreciating the remarkable works being done in the Coal Sector. During the meeting, the Secretary suggested exploring the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in transportation and mining operations, building energy efficiency measures in all Coal/Lignite PSU buildings in a phased manner, and the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles in mining operations, in consultation with DGMS.

These initiatives underscore the commitment of Coal/Lignite PSUs towards reducing their carbon footprint and embracing innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency across their operations. This commitment aligns with the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, wherein a voluntary commitment has been made to double the Rate of Energy Efficiency Improvement by 2030