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Coal's Opportunity to Power Energy Transition

 

 

June 18, 2025 - Abandoned coal mines could host more than 52GW of solar in Queensland and more than 14GW in NSW according to a Global Energy Monitor (GEM) study.

The study assessed decommissioned and soon to be closed surface coal mines across the globe and their potential to be given a second life as a solar farm, identifying the global capacity to host more than 300GW of solar.

Four major coal producers were identified as having the greatest opportunity for coal to solar transitions, including Indonesia, the US and India with Australia at the forefront.

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By repurposing coal mine sites, Australia has the potential to double its current solar output according to GEM.

Australia has 35 sites covering 1474km2 that have either been closed since 2020 or are expected to close by 2030, potentially supporting 74GW of solar production.

These figures were established after an analysis of GEM’s coal mine tracker which provides asset-level data in more than 30 categories including development stage and status, coal type, capacity, production and methane emissions.

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Image source: Global Energy Monitor 

As Australia continues its journey to decommissioning coal, repurposing mines for solar development could accelerate the nation closer to its energy transition goals.

GEM researcher Cheng Cheng Wu says the coal to solar transition offers a rare chance to repair the environment and generate an abundance of jobs in the solar industry.

“Constructing solar on upheaved lands isn’t just land reclamation — it’s a chance to align land restoration, clean energy goals, and local job creation,” she said.

“Where coal once characterised local histories, solar now offers a chance to power the future.”

GEM’s new data on coal to solar projects shows that China is leading the transition with 90 operational coal mine to solar conversions, with a capacity of 14GW, and 46 more projects, with 9GW, in planning stages.

The study also reported that nearly all abandoned coal mines and upcoming closures are near power grid infrastructure making them primely located for integration as solar farms.

Sun exposure is essential for successful solar installations, a key advantage of former surface mines is that they are vast and largely clear making them the ideal terrain.

Not only does solar installation align with Australia’s energy transition goals, but it also creates jobs, makes abandoned lands safer and tackles rehabilitation issues.

“The legacy of coal is written into the land — open pits, buried seams, and abandoned sites that still shape local economies and environments,” Ms Wu said.

“With the right choices, the same ground that powered the industrial era can help power the climate solutions we now urgently need.”