A recent report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) reveals the massive potential of converting abandoned coal mines into solar energy farms. According to the report, repurposing these sites could generate nearly 300 gigawatts (GW) of solar power by 2030. This would increase the world’s solar capacity by 15%, marking a significant step towards global renewable energy goals.
The Bright Side of the Mine: Unlocking Solar Potential
GEM’s report, titled “Bright Side of the Mine,” presents a compelling argument for transforming over 5,800 square kilometers of degraded mine land into clean energy hubs. The analysis surveys over 300 surface coal mines that have been closed since 2020, in addition to 127 mines projected to close by 2030. The combined solar potential of these sites is estimated to be 288 GW.
Grid-Ready and Environmentally Smart
One of the key findings of the report is that nearly all identified mine sites are located within 10 kilometers of existing grid infrastructure. This proximity offers a significant advantage for rapid solar deployment, reducing the costs and time associated with connecting new solar farms to the grid.
Job Creation and Economic Revitalization
The transition from coal mines to solar farms also presents a significant opportunity for job creation. Such conversions could create an estimated 577,000 jobs worldwide, including 259,700 permanent roles and 317,500 construction jobs. This would more than offset the jobs projected to be lost in the coal mining sector by 2035, providing new economic opportunities for communities affected by mine closures.
Cheng Cheng Wu, Project Manager for the Energy Transition Tracker at Global Energy Monitor, emphasizes the transformative potential of this transition: “The legacy of coal is written into the land, but that legacy does not have to define the future. The coal mine to solar transition is underway, and this potential is ready to be unlocked in major coal producers like Australia, the U.S., Indonesia, and India. Repurposing mines for solar development offers a rare chance to bring together land restoration, local job creation, and clean energy deployment in a single strategy. With the right choices, the same ground that powered the industrial era can help power the climate solutions we now urgently need.”
Global Leaders in Coal-to-Solar Transition
Several countries are already taking the lead in converting abandoned coal mines into solar farms.
China
China is currently leading the coal-to-solar transition, with 90 operational mine-to-solar projects totaling 14 GW, and another 46 projects with 9 GW in development.
Australia, the United States, Indonesia, and India
These countries hold nearly three-quarters of the global potential for coal-to-solar solutions. India alone could host 27 GW of solar capacity on 500 square kilometers of coal land, much of it in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, coal heartlands with growing renewable energy needs.
Beyond Solar Panels: A Multi-Use Approach
Repurposed coal mines are not limited to solar panel installations. Many sites are being considered for other clean energy technologies, including:
- Green hydrogen production
- Battery storage
- Pumped hydro
- Geothermal energy
Additionally, some sites are combining solar energy generation with agriculture, ecological restoration, and pollinator meadows. This multi-use approach can help meet climate and biodiversity goals while offering employment pathways to displaced coal workers. GEM estimates 2.1 jobs per megawatt of installed solar, highlighting the potential for thoughtful redevelopment to be a cornerstone of a just transition for fossil-dependent communities.
Overcoming Barriers and Maximizing Potential
Despite the immense potential, several barriers need to be addressed to fully realize the opportunity of converting abandoned coal mines into solar farms.
Financial Incentives
Governments and investors need to provide financial incentives to rehabilitate abandoned coal sites and encourage the development of solar projects.
Addressing Toxic Materials
Former mining sites may contain toxic materials that need to be safely managed during the conversion process.
Land Ownership
Clarifying land ownership is crucial, especially in countries like India, where many closed coal mines remain idle due to a lack of clear policies governing closure and the return of land rights.
Community Involvement
Ensuring community consultation and involvement is essential to avoid conflicts and ensure that the benefits of these projects are shared equitably.
Policy and Permitting
Streamlining policies and permitting processes can accelerate the deployment of solar projects on repurposed mine lands.
A Strategic Opportunity for a Sustainable Future
Converting abandoned coal mines into solar farms offers a strategic opportunity to meet climate targets, revitalize economies, and repurpose land once left to decay. By addressing the barriers and implementing thoughtful redevelopment strategies, governments, developers, and investors can unlock the full potential of these sites and create a more sustainable future for all.
As GEM’s report concludes, “The coal-to-solar opportunity is not theoretical. The world’s largest coal-producing regions hold the greatest potential for solar development on disturbed lands, in those places where grid connections often already exist, where skilled labor forces stand ready, and where reclamation is urgently needed.”
