Turning mining sites into solar power assets

China is spearheading a global drive to transform decommissioned coal mining sites into vast solar power projects, turning environmental liabilities into renewable energy assets and underscoring its dual commitment to decarbonization and land rehabilitation, according to a recently released report.

China currently leads the world in converting old coal mining sites into solar power projects, a trend that promises to advance the clean energy transition, according to Global Energy Monitor, an independent think tank.

While conversion of surface-mined lands into solar-generation projects has surged in 15 countries particularly over the past couple of years, 90 former coal mines are operating as solar-power facilities in China, with a total generating capacity of 14 gigawatts. An additional 46 projects representing 9 GW are in the planning stages, it said.