As the world gradually moves away from coal, a new report offers a hopeful path for coal-heavy economies: transforming disused mine lands into thriving clean energy zones. The Global Energy Monitor (GEM) suggests that coal giants could transform abandoned mines into solar power hubs, addressing the growing demand for renewable energy and the urgent need to rehabilitate degraded landscapes.

One of the world’s top coal producers, India has emerged as a key player in this transition. According to GEM’s analysis, the country ranks fourth globally for solar potential on disused coal mine land. Over 63 abandoned or soon-to-be-decommissioned mine sites across India, covering more than 500 square kilometres, have been identified as ideal for solar installations. These areas alone could support the development of 27.11 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, equivalent to almost 37% of the country’s current solar capacity.

From Black Gold to Green Goals

India’s coal belt, stretching through states like Telangana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, has long powered the country’s industries and homes. Now, these states feature prominently in the report as having the highest potential for solar conversion. Together, they could generate more than 22 GW of solar energy from unused mine land. The findings reinforce the growing global view that coal giants could transform abandoned mines into solar power hubs, unlocking economic and environmental benefits.

The opportunity is vast. Globally, over 3,800 coal mines are still operational, producing around 95% of the world’s coal. With 33 countries committing to phasing out coal, many of these mines are expected to be retired soon.

Although mining operators in various nations are legally obliged to pay for land restoration after mining, enforcement has been ineffective. Abandoned coal mines are seldom rehabbed and instead represent significant risks, the report says. Methane emissions are one of the greatest risks. This powerful greenhouse gas, 28 times as warm as carbon dioxide on a century-time frame, can seep from cracked coal seams for decades unless controlled.

Recently closed mines in the European Union still emit approximately 200,000 tonnes of methane each year. Poorly maintained abandoned sites in India have seen fatal collapses, while South Africa and the United States have contributed to water pollution and ground instability.

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Coal Giants Could Transform Abandoned Mines into Solar Power Hubs: A Global Movement Emerges

India is not alone in facing this crossroads. GEM’s report highlights 28 countries with closed or soon-to-close surface coal mines suitable for solar energy deployment. Collectively, these lands could host up to 288 GW of solar capacity. Over 300 recently abandoned mines can support 103 GW of solar, while another 127 soon-to-be-closed sites could add 185 GW—enough to match Germany’s yearly electricity consumption.

One significant advantage is connectivity. Nearly 96% of these sites lie within 10 kilometres of existing transmission infrastructure, and 91% are close to substations or grid connection points. This proximity drastically reduces the costs and complexity of integrating solar power into national grids.

Some countries have already begun converting theory into action. China leads globally, with 90 coal-to-solar projects producing 14 GW and 45 more underway. Australia, the U.S., and others have launched early-stage projects, reflecting a slow but growing global shift.

Restoring Land, Rebuilding Lives

One of the most persuasive arguments in favor of this transition is its possible social impact. The report predicts that its transformation of old coal mines to solar energy centers would sustain about 259,000 permanent manufacturing, engineering, and logistics jobs. Moreover, approximately 317,000 temporary jobs and construction jobs would be created, well surpassing the predicted loss of coal jobs by the year 2035.

For India, where coal mining has historically been concentrated in rural and tribal areas, this transition offers more than economic continuity; it represents a chance for inclusive development. The idea that coal giants could transform abandoned mines into solar power hubs carries the promise of restoring livelihoods and rebuilding communities.

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Challenges to a Just Transition

Yet, the road ahead is not without challenges. In many regions, especially India, land ownership and closure protocols are murky. Several disused mines have been transferred directly to renewable energy or afforestation projects without formally returning land rights to local communities. This bypasses key processes meant to ensure justice and participation.

GEM cautions that solar development could reproduce patterns of displacement and marginalisation without clear regulations and proper community engagement. In China’s Bianjiaqu, residents accused solar developers of damaging fertile land and providing inadequate compensation. Similar tensions are emerging in other parts of the Global South.

In Conclusion

The evidence is compelling: coal giants could transform abandoned mines into solar power hubs, simultaneously delivering environmental repair, clean energy, and economic renewal. For India, endowed with sun and shuttered mines, this could be a turning point in its clean energy journey.

However, transformation requires more than potential. It demands long-term planning, accountability, and a people-first approach. If managed responsibly, this shift could power the grid and lead toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

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