NLC India Unveils ₹1.25 Trillion Capex Plan by 2030, With Major Focus on Renewables and Global Expansion
NLC India Unveils ₹1.25 Trillion Capex Plan by 2030, With Major Focus on Renewables and Global Expansion
NLC India Ltd, a prominent public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, has announced an ambitious capital expenditure plan of ₹1.25 trillion by 2030, as part of its roadmap to scale up capacity from 6.7 GW to 20 GW, with a sharp focus on renewable energy, battery storage, and overseas mineral assets.The announcement was made by Chairman and Managing Director Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, who emphasized that the strategic investments are aligned with India’s broader energy transition goals and future energy security.
Renewables Take Center Stage
Out of the ₹1.25 trillion investment plan, ₹65,000 crore will be directed towards renewable energy and green initiatives, with a significant ₹15,000 crore allocated to battery storage systems—a growing priority as India pushes for grid stability and clean energy integration.“We have an aggressive capacity addition plan,” said Motupalli. “We are expanding both renewable and conventional capacity to take NLC’s total generation to 20 gigawatts by 2030.”
Additional allocations include ₹45,000 crore for thermal projects and ₹15,000 crore for mining operations, indicating a balanced transition strategy that still supports base-load energy needs during the green shift.
Global Ambitions: Mining and Consulting Expansion
Beyond domestic infrastructure, NLC India is eyeing international expansion, beginning with a consulting services business in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Africa, and the Middle East.The company is also actively exploring and conducting due diligence on critical mineral assets abroad, especially those linked to battery and clean energy technologies.
“We are evaluating lithium mines in Mali, and copper and cobalt assets in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Motupalli confirmed. “Our vision includes securing global supplies of Vanadium, Cobalt, Lithium, and Copper, key materials for the energy transition.”
Domestic Progress in Critical Minerals
Domestically, NLC has already secured two critical mineral blocks in Chhattisgarh, a move seen as foundational for its emerging expertise in mineral exploration. The experience will inform the company’s overseas mining pursuits, as India seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign critical mineral imports.Leading India’s Green Energy Transition
NLC India’s roadmap positions the company as a significant contributor to India’s National Electricity Plan and Net-Zero ambitions, combining renewables, battery innovation, and global resource strategy.With ₹1.25 trillion in planned investment, and operations spanning domestic infrastructure and cross-border strategic growth, NLC India is making it clear: the future of power is not just green—it’s global.
