Transformation of deserted coal mines into solar power centers proposed for major coal-producing nations, according to a new research.
Turning coal into clean energy? It's bloody brilliant, ain't it? After all, why let those blighted mine lands go to waste when they could become solar power hubs? That's the exciting idea being proposed by the Global Energy Monitor (GEM). They reckon that countries like India, drowning in coal and drowning in sun, can transform those godforsaken, decommissioned mine sites into thriving solar power zones.
And it looks like India could lead the charge. According to GEM's analysis, the country has the fourth-highest solar potential on abandoned mine land globally. Across 63 disused or soon-to-be-decommissioned mines, covering over 500 square kilometers, there's room for 27.11 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy... that's almost 37% of the country's current solar capacity!
Coal to Clean: A Global Shift
India's coal belt – stretching through states like Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh – has powered the nation for years. Now, these states could be at the forefront of the solar revolution. Together, they could generate over 22 GW of solar energy from old mine land.
Globally, over 3,800 coal mines are still operational, producing 95% of the world's coal. With 33 countries committing to phasing out coal, many of these mines are expected to shut down soon, opening up a world of opportunity for these abandoned sites.
The Methane Menace
One potential issue lies in methane emissions. Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas 28 times as warm as carbon dioxide over a century-time frame, can seep from cracked coal seams for decades if not controlled. Poorly maintained abandoned sites have caused fatal collapses, while contributing to water pollution and ground instability in countries like South Africa and the United States.
A Shift in Gear
China leads the way in this transformation, with 90 coal-to-solar projects producing 14 GW and 45 more underway. Australia, the US, and other nations have launched early-stage projects, indicating a slow but growing global movement.
Jobs and Justice
The transition offers more than just clean power. GEM predicts that transforming old coal mines to solar energy centers could sustain about 259,000 permanent manufacturing, engineering, and logistics jobs. Additionally, over 317,000 temporary jobs and construction jobs would be created, outnumbering the predicted coal job losses by 2035.
For India, where coal mining has historically been concentrated in rural and tribal areas, this transition represents a chance for inclusive development. It's more than economic continuity; it's an opportunity to rebuild communities.
Obstacles Abound
Yet, transformation isn't without challenges. Land ownership and closure protocols can be unclear, leading to conflicts between developers and local communities. In India, renewable energy or afforestation projects have bypassed key processes meant to ensure justice and participation. GEM cautions that solar development could reproduce patterns of displacement and marginalization without proper community engagement.
Conclusion
The evidence suggests that coal giants could convert abandoned mines into solar power hubs, delivering environmental repair, clean energy, and economic renewal. For India, blessed with sun and burdened by coal, this could be a game-changer in its clean energy journey.
But transformation demands more than potential. It needs long-term planning, accountability, and a people-first approach. If handled responsibly, this shift could power the grid and lead us towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
References
- Global Energy Monitor. (2021). Coal Giants Could Transform Abandoned Mines into Solar Power Hubs: A Global Movement Emerges. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://www.globalenergymonitor.org/analyze/single/article/6578
- Rahman, M. (2021). From Black Gold to Green Goals: Converting Abandoned Coal Mines into Solar Energy Systems in India. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://www.smartpowerindia.org/article/from-black-gold-to-green-goals-converting-abandoned-coal-mines-into-solar-energy-systems-in-india/
- International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2020). Solar Power in Coal Regions. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://www.irena.org/publications/2020/May/Solar-Power-in-Coal-Regions
- United Nations (UNEP). (2018). Vision for a Prosperous Low-Carbon Energy System in India: 2030. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25875/unep_fccc_rcan_2018_factsheet_viewofinia_2030_en.pdf
- World Resources Institute (WRI). (2021). Global Coal Exit List 2020: The $1 Trillion Opportunity. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://www.wri.org/publication/global-coal-exit-list-2020
- The environmental science field reveals the potential for transforming formerly decommissioned coal mines into renewable energy zones, placing a significant emphasis on solar power, particularly in sun-rich countries like India.
- GEM's analysis emphasizes that India's solar potential on abandoned mine land is the fourth-highest globally, capable of accommodating over 27 GW of solar energy, almost 37% of the country's current solar capacity.
- This transition from coal to clean energy could generate jobs in various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and temporary construction positions, outnumbering predicted coal job losses by 2035.
- Recognizing the economic potential of this shift, states like Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh in India could play a vital role in the solar revolution, producing over 22 GW of solar energy from old mine land.
- Emerging technology, such as smart home devices and gadgets, can contribute to this transformation by facilitating energy management and efficiency, which is essential for optimizing solar power generation.
- The sports industry could also make strides in adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as energy-efficient stadiums and the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting principles into sports-betting operations.
- Data and cloud computing technology have a crucial role to play in this transition, enabling efficient energy tracking, analysis, and optimization of renewable energy systems.
- Awareness of climate change and the need for renewable energy solutions has extended beyond scientific circles, prompting some sports stars, including Formula E drivers, to advocate for environmental causes and promote sustainable living.
- The Global Energy Monitor report highlights the need for careful handling of challenging issues such as land ownership, closure protocols, and community engagement to ensure a just transition, minimizing displacement and marginalization of local populations.
