PEKB Becomes First Solar-Powered Coal Mine in Chhattisgarh

• 19 Jun 2025

Why in News? 

Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) has become Chhattisgarh’s first coal mine to run entirely on solar power, achieving full energy self-reliance.

Key Points 

• About PEKB Mine: The Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) coal mine plays a vital role in supplying coal for electricity generation to nearly 80 million consumers. 
  • The solar plant in PEKB is expected to reduce nearly 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over 25 years—equivalent to planting 2.5 million trees. 
  • Environmentalists see this initiative as a major step toward energy security and environmental protection, combining coal mining with clean energy solutions. 
• Coal Reserves in Chhattisgarh: The state holds 16% of India’s total coal reserves, making it one of the richest in coal resources. 
  • The state ranks second in the country in coal production, contributing over 18% of India’s total output. The majority of these reserves consist of power-grade coal, suitable for electricity generation. 
  • An estimated 44,483 million tonnes of coal have been identified across 12 coalfields, mainly located in the districts of Raigarh, Surguja, Koriya, and Korba. 
  • Chhattisgarh-based Coal India subsidiary South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Gevra and Kusmunda coal mines ranked 2nd and 4th globally among the largest coal mines.  
    • Located in Korba district, they jointly produce over 100 million tons annually, about 10% of India's coal output. 
    • Both mines use advanced, eco-friendly technologies like surface miners for blast-free operations.