The Ministry of Coal has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy by advising all Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the coal mining sector to shift to renewable energy. The Ministry has set a target of 5560 MW of renewable energy to be used by 2026 across all coal mining PSUs. The coal PSUs will be spending a total of Rs 23,424 crore towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2026. The coal ministry revealed that the PSUs will mainly focus on solar and wind power. The shift to renewable energy will not only reduce carbon emissions but also help in reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.

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Moreover, the Ministry is also taking steps towards the creation of eco-parks. The decoaled land of coal mining will be converted into eco-parks. The ministry aims to have 60 eco parks by 2026 through this initiative. The eco-parks will help in the conservation of flora and fauna in the mining regions and also support the livelihoods of the local population.

The transition to renewable energy and eco-parks will also lead to the creation of job opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The Ministry is expected to collaborate with other ministries to develop the required skill sets for the same.

The ministry is also expected to incentivize the PSUs to achieve their targets for sustainable energy.

The move towards sustainable energy by the Ministry of Coal is a significant step towards achieving India's commitment to reduce carbon emissions. The Ministry's efforts are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the mining sector and the environment.

Notably, the Government of India is also set to introduce a new policy on coal gasification by June, which is aimed at boosting the country's domestic coal gas production and reducing its dependence on imports. 

As per sources privy to the developments, the gasification policy will include several incentives to encourage private sector participation in coal gasification projects. These include exemptions from revenue sharing, capital support in the form of viability gap funding (VGF), tax incentives, and assured availability of coal.

Also Read - Govt to introduce policy on coal gasification by June