During a diversification review meeting chaired by the secretary of the coal ministry, Coal India Limited reported the identification of more than 20 abandoned mines for assessment and feasibility studies related to pumped storage projects (PSPs). The Ministry of Coal (MoC) will utilise the financial benefits of a large land bank and commercial viability to establish PSPs in de-coaled coal mines. The objective of this initiative is to diversify towards alternative sources of energy. The aim is to generate hydroelectric power through pump storage systems, supporting sustainable development in the coal industry. The objective will also be to utilise solar energy during the day and generate hydroelectric power at night.
Additionally, NLC India Limited has initiated a feasibility study on pump storage projects. Furthermore, there is a directive to conduct stakeholder consultations with interested agencies for project execution and to identify additional sites suitable for PSPs. The finalisation of business models such as engineering, procurement, and construction and public-private partnership is yet to be done in consultation with stakeholders. The implementation of these projects is envisioned to be a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including state governments, private entities, and research institutions.