New Delhi: In a major step towards sustainable mining and energy transition, the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) and Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for Solar Project Management Consultancy (PMC) work.
The collaboration is aimed at transforming NCL into a net-zero company by developing large-scale solar power projects, reinforcing the Coal India ecosystem’s commitment to clean energy and environmental sustainability.
CMPDI’s Role: From Planning to Monitoring
Under the agreement, CMPDI will deliver end-to-end PMC services, covering all stages of solar project development — including planning, design, implementation, and monitoring.
This partnership leverages CMPDI’s deep technical expertise and project management experience to help NCL meet its renewable energy targets efficiently and sustainably.
Officials stated that the initiative would not only cut carbon emissions but also reduce dependency on conventional energy sources across mining operations.
About CMPDI
The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), headquartered in Ranchi, is a fully owned subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL).
Established in the 1970s to support India’s nationalized coal industry, CMPDI has evolved into a multi-disciplinary consultancy organization serving both the coal and mineral sectors.
Its portfolio includes geological exploration, mine planning, design, environmental management, and renewable energy integration. CMPDI has also expanded its reach internationally, offering consultancy and technical services to several countries.
About NCL
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a Miniratna company and subsidiary of Coal India Limited, operates in the Singrauli coalfields spanning Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
NCL is India’s highest composite (Coal + Overburden Removal) producing company, contributing nearly 15% of the country’s total coal production.
The company has been a frontrunner in sustainability initiatives — from eco-friendly mining technologies to innovative projects like converting overburden material into M-Sand (manufactured sand) to reduce environmental degradation.
The new solar initiative aligns with NCL’s broader vision to achieve net-zero emissions and transition to clean energy-based mining operations.
Significance of the CMPDI NCL MoA
The CMPDI–NCL agreement marks another milestone in Coal India’s decarbonization journey, in line with the Government of India’s renewable energy and sustainability goals.
It is expected to:
- Accelerate the integration of renewable energy in coal operations.
- Enhance energy efficiency across NCL’s sites.
- Reduce operational carbon footprint significantly.
- Promote sustainable practices in India’s mining ecosystem.
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