World's biggest coal company bets on solar power

The world’s largest coal mining firm is to "aggressively" pursue solar energy and continue to close smaller mines.

Coal India Limited (CIL) plans to invest in a 3,000 megawatt solar energy project in a joint venture with state-run NLC India.

The company also wants to compete in India’s solar auctions and win projects by offering the lowest prices for clean power.

It marks a major shift for the firm, which produces most of India’s coal.