Turning coalmines into solar energy plants ‘could add 300GW of renewables by 2030’

Solar panels on defunct surface mines could put land to productive use for renewable generation, report saysTurning recently closed coalmines into solar energy plants could add almost 300GW of renewable energy by 2030, converting derelict wastelands to productive use, according to a new report.In a first of its kind analysis, researchers from Global Energy Monitor (GEM) identified 312 surface coalmines closed since 2020 around the world, and 134 likely to close by the end of the decade, together covering 5,820 sq km (2,250 sq miles) – a land area nearly the size of Palestine. Continue reading...

Jun 18, 2025 - 00:30

Turning coalmines into solar energy plants ‘could add 300GW of renewables by 2030’

Solar panels on defunct surface mines could put land to productive use for renewable generation, report says

Turning recently closed coalmines into solar energy plants could add almost 300GW of renewable energy by 2030, converting derelict wastelands to productive use, according to a new report.

In a first of its kind analysis, researchers from Global Energy Monitor (GEM) identified 312 surface coalmines closed since 2020 around the world, and 134 likely to close by the end of the decade, together covering 5,820 sq km (2,250 sq miles) – a land area nearly the size of Palestine. Continue reading...