In a significant move toward clean energy transition, Coal India Limited (CIL), the country’s largest coal producer and a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) to establish a 500 MW solar power project in Uttar Pradesh.
The MoU was signed on May 5, 2025, in Lucknow, marking a crucial step in CIL’s efforts to diversify into renewable energy and support India’s commitment to sustainable development. According to the company’s filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the project is part of CIL’s Green and Renewable Energy Initiatives, aimed at meeting the growing energy demand and strengthening energy security in the state.
“This initiative aligns with Coal India’s broader green vision and our commitment to contributing meaningfully to the national renewable energy goals,” the company stated.
Strategic Shift Towards Renewable Energy
The planned solar power project not only signifies CIL’s foray into clean energy but also highlights the growing trend of traditionally coal-reliant enterprises diversifying their portfolios in favor of sustainable sources. With this agreement, CIL aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and play a key role in India’s energy transition strategy.
UPRVUNL, Uttar Pradesh’s state-owned thermal power utility with an existing generation capacity of 6,134 MW, will collaborate with CIL to facilitate project implementation and ensure timely execution. Both organizations have also expressed interest in exploring further collaboration opportunities in the renewable sector.
A National Commitment
Coal India, which contributes to nearly 82% of India’s total coal production, is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Kolkata, the PSU’s venture into solar energy aligns with national targets under the National Solar Mission and India’s commitment to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
