The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged significant delays in the development of solar power projects by state-run Coal India Limited (CIL), highlighting a major shortfall in the company’s clean energy transition plans. In its latest report, the government auditor noted that Coal India has achieved only a small fraction of its targeted solar capacity, despite being entrusted with an ambitious renewable energy mandate several years ago.
In 2017, the government assigned Coal India the responsibility of developing 3,000 MW of solar power capacity by 2024 as part of its broader objective to help the company move towards becoming a Net-zero energy entity. However, the CAG observed that as of December 31, 2024, Coal India and its subsidiaries had installed only 122.492 MW of solar capacity. This represents just 4.08 per cent of the original target, indicating slow progress over the seven-year period.
The audit report pointed out that the delay undermines Coal India’s role in supporting India’s clean energy goals, especially at a time when the country is pushing for rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity. The CAG has urged Coal India to accelerate the execution of its solar projects and adopt a fast-track approach to meet its renewable energy commitments.
The auditor emphasized that the timely implementation of these projects is critical not only for reducing the company’s carbon footprint but also for aligning its operations with national climate and energy transition objectives.
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