Taking a giant leap in thermal and solar power generation, state-owned Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) plans to further increase its solar power capacity from the current 245 MW to 540 MW by 2025 to meet the company’s total capacity. Electricity from solar energy is needed, said SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N Balaram.
Speaking at the main function of Singareni Foundation Day held at Kothagudem in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Monday, he said that there are plans to install floating solar plants in big reservoirs including Mallannasagar reservoir and lower Manair dam in Siddipet district. Developing solar power projects in Solar Valley in Karimnagar, Rajasthan and other states. He said that after the completion of these, SCCL’s solar energy capacity will reach about 3,000 MW.
The 1,200 MW Singareni Thermal Power Plant (STPP) at Jaipur in Mancherial district has emerged as the most successful power plant generating a profit of around Rs 500 crore annually. The state government has issued an order to set up another 800 MW super critical thermal power station at the STPP premises.
As part of its diversification plans, SCCL is considering setting up pumped storage hydropower projects and exploring other minerals for a sustainable future. A geothermal power plant has been established on an experimental basis at Pagideru in Manuguru mandal. If this is successful, it will pave the way for the construction of 300 MW geothermal energy project in this area, he said.
A coal mine in Odisha’s Naini block will soon start producing around 10 million tonnes of coal per annum. Plans are progressing to obtain mandatory approvals for Kothagudem VK Opencast Mine, Yelandu Romped Opencast Mine, Ramagundam Coal Mine, Goleti Opencast Mine and other projects in the coal belt.
The state government has filled up 2,165 posts in SCCL last year and has implemented several welfare measures for the workforce of SCCL, giving top priority to the safety of coal miners, he said while outlining the welfare initiatives of the state government.
He stressed the need for renewal to reduce production costs and increase coal production through maximum use of heavy machinery and positive work culture to meet the challenges and ensure sustainable development.
published – December 23, 2024 at 11:31 am IST