New Delhi, June 30, 2025 — Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has unveiled an ambitious investment plan of ₹64,900 crore focused on clean energy, coal-to-chemical initiatives, and power generation. This strategic move aligns with MCL’s long-term objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions and diversifying its operations beyond traditional coal mining.

The centrepiece of this investment plan is a ₹40,000 crore thermal power plant project with a capacity of 4,000 MW. The plant is set to be developed in partnership with the Energy Department of Odisha and Coal India, contributing to the country’s baseload power generation and ensuring energy security for the region.

Alongside its conventional power project, MCL has laid out a robust roadmap for renewable energy development. The company is planning a 2,000 MW solar energy initiative, comprising both ground-mounted and floating solar installations, with a proposed investment of ₹12,000 crore. In addition, a 500 MW pumped storage hydropower project, estimated at ₹5,000 crore, and a 100 MW wind power project worth ₹900 crore are also part of the clean energy strategy.

These renewable energy investments are central to MCL’s net-zero vision and demonstrate a decisive shift toward sustainable operations. The company has already commissioned 52 MW of ground-mounted solar and 2.5 MW of rooftop solar capacity, with plans to scale its carbon-neutral energy generation to 182 MW by the financial year 2028–29.

Further expanding its portfolio, MCL will enter the chemicals sector through a coal-to-ammonium nitrate project. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 600,000 metric tonnes and is expected to attract an investment of ₹11,782 crore. Developed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, this venture will help reduce dependence on imported chemicals while offering significant value addition to MCL’s coal output.

The diversification strategy marks a transformative moment in MCL’s operational philosophy. By investing heavily in power generation and downstream coal-based industries, the company is positioning itself as an integrated energy and industrial enterprise. The goal is not only to maximise resource utilisation but also to contribute to national priorities such as energy security, Make in India, and climate resilience.

MCL’s clean energy projects will also support grid balancing and energy storage, particularly through the pumped storage facility, which is essential for managing the intermittency of solar and wind energy. The emphasis on floating solar further optimises land use, while wind energy initiatives will diversify the renewable portfolio.

With this ₹64,900 crore investment commitment, MCL reinforces its role as a forward-looking public sector enterprise contributing to India’s sustainable development goals. The company’s planned initiatives are expected to generate employment, stimulate regional economic growth, and set a benchmark for other coal-based entities seeking to transition toward a greener future.

MCL’s decisive investment strategy reflects a broader shift in India’s energy landscape, where traditional sectors are embracing innovation, resilience, and sustainability as core pillars for long-term growth.

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