Coal India Powers Up Renewable Push with 200 MW Khavda Solar Project Commissioning
Commissioning of 200 MW capacity at Gujarat's Khavda Solar Park marks a significant milestone as Coal India accelerates its clean energy transition amid renewed focus on renewable expansion
State-run Coal India Limited (CIL) has commissioned 200 MW of solar power capacity under its 300 MW Khavda Solar Power Project in Gujarat, marking a significant advancement in the company’s renewable energy roadmap.
In a regulatory filing, the Maharatna PSU informed that it received the commissioning certificate for the 200 MW capacity from the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) on July 15, 2026.
The development assumes greater significance as Coal India intensifies efforts to strengthen its clean energy portfolio after deciding to dissolve its wholly owned subsidiary, CIL Solar PV Limited, by striking its name off the Register of Companies. The move also comes at a time when the company is under increased scrutiny over the pace of its renewable energy expansion.
Important Milestone in Renewable Energy Journey
The commissioning of the Khavda solar capacity represents one of Coal India’s most significant renewable energy achievements in recent years. It is expected to provide momentum to the company’s long-term strategy of diversifying beyond coal and expanding its presence in the green energy sector.
Coal India had originally committed in 2015 to establish 1,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by March 2019, with the objective of reducing annual energy expenditure by approximately ₹55.50 crore.
Subsequently, in 2017, the Government of India enhanced the target, directing the company to develop 3,000 MW (3 GW) of solar power capacity by 2024 as part of its broader vision of transforming Coal India into a net-zero energy company.
Slow Progress Highlighted Earlier
Despite these ambitious targets, progress remained considerably slower than planned. By December 2024, Coal India had commissioned only 122 MW of solar capacity, representing just 4.08% of its 3 GW target. Most of the proposed renewable energy projects were rescheduled for completion during 2027-28.
The slow pace of implementation was also highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which pointed to delays in achieving the company's renewable energy commitments.
Renewed Push for Green Energy
With a workforce exceeding 200,000 employees, operations spread across 83 mining areas, and one of the country’s largest captive power consumption bases, Coal India possesses significant potential to develop renewable energy projects on its vast land assets.
The commissioning of the 200 MW capacity at Khavda is therefore being viewed as an important step in reviving the company’s clean energy programme and accelerating progress towards its long-term sustainability and energy transition objectives.
Once the remaining 100 MW of the Khavda Solar Project is commissioned, the project will further strengthen Coal India’s renewable energy portfolio and contribute to India’s clean energy capacity addition.
