CAG Reports Delay in Coal India’s Solar Targets, Installed Capacity at 122 MW Against 3,000 MW Target

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged significant delays in Coal India Ltd’s solar power programme, noting that the state-run miner had installed just 122.49 MW of solar capacity as of December 2024m only 4.08 percent of its targeted 3,000 MW.

In a recent audit report, the CAG said that Coal India was mandated by the Centre in 2017 to develop 3 GW of solar power capacity by 2024 as part of its transition towards becoming a Net Zero energy company. However, progress has remained far behind schedule.

The audit further pointed out that work orders had been issued for only 692.50 MW of ground-mounted solar projects and 34.56 MW of rooftop solar projects up to December 2024. Commissioning of these projects has now been pushed to 2027–28, with timelines officially extended.

Calling for urgent corrective action, the CAG advised Coal India to execute its solar projects on a fast-track basis to meet its clean energy commitments.

As part of its renewable strategy, Coal India has formed joint ventures with NTPC Ltd and NLC India Ltd for developing 1,000 MW of solar capacity each, and has also signed an MoU with SECI. Additionally, the company set up a dedicated special purpose vehicle, CIL Navikarniya Urja Ltd, to accelerate solar project execution.