Reclaiming Coal Country: 300 GW Solar Goldmine From Coal Mine Conversions - CleanTechnica

A recent report by Global Energy Monitor (GEM) highlights the significant potential of converting closed and soon-to-be-retired coal mines into solar farms, estimating an increase of nearly 300 gigawatts (GW) in global solar capacity by 2030—equivalent to a 15% rise over current installed solar power. The study, “Bright Side of the Mine,” analyzes over 300 surface coal mines closed since 2020 and 127 projected closures by 2030, identifying more than 5,800 square kilometers of degraded mine land suitable for solar development. Nearly all these sites are within 10 kilometers of existing grid infrastructure, facilitating rapid deployment. This transition could generate approximately 577,000 jobs worldwide, including both permanent and construction roles, potentially offsetting coal sector job losses by 2035. The report emphasizes major coal-producing countries such as China, Australia, the U.S., India, South Africa, and Indonesia as key regions for this transformation. India alone could develop