BURLA: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is all set to commission a two-mw solar power plant in line with Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission within a month.

With the move, MCL will reduce carbon footprints by refraining from burning 10,000 tonnes of coal annually which is required for production of two mw. Besides, it will save electricity consumption of Anand Vihar campus of MCL which amounts to `7 lakhs per month. The grid connected solar power plant is being installed at an estimated cost of `13 crores and will meet the energy needs of the Anand Vihar campus and contribute to the grid.

MCL faced an uphill task in identifying the right location inside its campus which spreads over eight acres. With the company planting 77,000 trees in its headquarters, the only space available for fixing solar panels is a barren piece of undulated land surrounded by hillocks.

Talking to Express, Public Relations Officer of MCL Dikken Mehra said the initiative was taken to reduce both energy scarcity and reduce carbon footprints.

Source : New India Express...