Coal India implements carbon offset measures

CIL has "put special thrust on energy efficiency measures" in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint and has drawn up a five-year plan to offset carbon emissions in all its coal producing companies. CIL accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output through its seven wholly owned subsidiaries.

The statement said that coal companies have several areas for implementing energy efficiency measures "such as colonies, buildings, offices and industrial establishments apart from efficient power supply management." However, it noted that the major opportunity for reduction in carbon emissions comes from heavy earthmoving machines, transport, ventilation and pumping.

With the help of its subsidiaries, CIL has been taking various energy conservation and efficiency measures over the years and now plans to move ahead with emphasis on activities responsible for more environment pollution. It plans to replace its large fleet of diesel-powered heavy earthmoving machines with equipment running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). CIL said: "This will be a major breakthrough in not only cutting down cost but also in reducing carbon emissions."

CIL has taken initiatives to implement a pilot project at some of its mine sites in collaboration with the government owned natural gas corporation GAIL before starting the bulk use of LNG. GAIL will establish an LNG storage and dispensing system, arrange transport of LNG from terminals to mine sites, and will arrange kits and retrofitting.

Indian mining truck manufacturer BEML, which has previously supplied equipment to CIL mines, will provide all technical assistance. It will also monitor and study the performance of dump trucks and engines during the pilot period in collaboration with global engine manufacturer Cummins.

The first pilot project will be undertaken by the end of this year at CIL subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields' Bharatpur open-pit mine in Odisha. In addition, a comprehensive model is being devised to convert the maximum number of heavy vehicles to LNG in the coming years.

CIL also plans to introduce approximately 1,500 electric vehicles in all its mining areas over the next five years. Around 200 electric vehicles alone will be put in operation by the end of this year.

It noted that water pumping is done on a large scale in both open-pit and underground mines, consuming a lot of energy. CIL plans to introduce around 1,700 energy-efficient motors for pumps in all its mining operations.

CIL will also replace around 5,000 conventional air conditioners and other appliances across its operations with energy-efficient star-rated appliances. Similarly, around 250,000 LED lights will be introduced in place of conventional lights to save energy.

CIL said: "On implementation of aforementioned energy efficiency measures, CIL has envisaged to create a carbon offset of around 2.5 lakh [250,000] tonnes in the next five years."

In March this year, CIL entered into a joint venture with state-owned NLC India to "aggressively" pursue solar energy.

State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) has issued a statement saying it is committed to achieving a carbon offset of over 60,000t by the end of 2021.