The Ministry of Coal has outlined an expanded growth strategy for NLC India Limited, a major state-owned power and mining company, to strengthen the country’s energy security while pursuing cleaner generation methods. NLC India currently operates 8,405 MW of power generation capacity and manages 59.10 million tonnes per annum of mining capacity. The company plans to become an integrated energy business that balances reliable coal-based power with renewable energy and emerging technologies.
The Plans
NLC India intends to increase its mining capacity from the current 59.1 MTPA to 104.35 MTPA by 2030, reaching 115.85 MTPA by 2047, to reduce India’s dependence on coal imports.
On the power generation side, the company is building newer thermal units using high-efficiency, low-emission technology. These include a 1,980 MW supercritical plant at Ghatampur and ultra-supercritical stations at Talabira (2,400 MW) and Machhakatta (4,000 MW). These plants will consume less coal and produce fewer emissions than older stations.
NLC India is also developing 63.5 MTPA of First Mile Connectivity rail infrastructure across five locations to move coal directly from mines to power stations, reducing road transport and dependence on oil.
Through its renewable arm, NIRL, the company plans to grow clean energy capacity from around 1.8 GW today to over 10 GW by 2030, aiming for 32.7 GW by 2047. Battery storage projects are under development in Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat and West Bengal, with a combined capacity of 875 MW and 3,150 MWh. The company is also exploring pumped storage projects in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
NLC India is also investing in emerging areas such as a 4 MW green hydrogen pilot plant at Neyveli using solar power, and exploring carbon capture technology with IIT Madras. The company has secured exploration rights for phosphorite and limestone in Chhattisgarh, and vanadium and titanium in Telangana.
What this means for you
These investments aim to ensure India has steady electricity supply for decades while reducing carbon emissions. Lower reliance on imported coal and minerals helps keep energy costs more predictable. The renewable and green hydrogen projects position India to build industries based on cleaner energy, potentially creating jobs in new energy sectors.