As part of its diversification programme for clean coal energy, Coal India Limited (CIL) on Thursday (13 October) signed a memorandum of understanding with Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) for developing a solar power project of 1190 MW capacity.

The proposed project will come up in Rajasthan’s upcoming solar park cleared under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Power Parks.

The project would begin in a phased manner and is expected to be an employment generator in the state apart from providing cleaner power, the Coal Ministry said in a release.

The ministry added that the project would boost CIL’s pursuit of solar power generation as part of its diversification programme for clean coal energy.

The MoU was signed in Jaipur in the presence of Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.

Speaking on the occasion, Joshi said that India has sufficient coal reserve to last for up to 50 years. Emphasis now is to produce clean coal and steps are being taken in this direction.

He said eight million tonne stocks are available at present and the state government must go for innovative solutions to ease out transport bottlenecks.

Joshi said that for transportation of coal now rail cum sea route is preferred so that the transportation time is reduced.

The minister said that steps are being taken to resolve the energy issues of all the states and the Prime Minister’s vision for New India will be realised when energy needs of all states get fulfilled and they get developed.