Most people seem to wonder why the words “energy” and “darkness” do not seem to correlate on so many levels. In the past, this could have passed as the truth, but recently, innovations have been made so that massive amounts of energy, up to 300 GW of solar energy, can be produced from Earth’s crust. One could only imagine the possibilities that could arise from the transformation of a place formerly known as the dead zone.

Exploring the dead zone: uncovering the 300 GW energy source in earth’s darkest place

What crosses your mind when you think of this? Is it an oil rig? Could it be a towering system for generating renewable energy, or could it be a mine in the dark places of the earth, teeming with fossils? The latter seems to be the most accurate answer that encloses vast reserves of energy. The concept behind the scale of the project cannot be explained without talking about the fossil fuel that is responsible for this—coal.

Coal is the most abundant member among fossils on Earth. In fact, archaeologists have been able to suggest evidence that suggests that coal has been heavily utilized since the existence of cavemen. Most nations of the world have abundant coal, and its commercial mining and exploration boomed after the invention of steam engines to keep up with the demand. Over time, coal became established as one of the most reliable fuels for day-to-day human interactions.

However, coal’s product of combustion has led to global economic and health implications, prompting recent advances in technology that have led to the abandonment of coal mines for a cleaner source of energy. One of which is the repurposing of closed coal mines for solar panel fields (like how this 20km drill turns coal mines into green powerhouses).

300 GW of renewable energy: peeling the layers to reveal the scale of the projected energy output

Due to the massive drive for clean energy, countries such as China, Australia, United States, Indonesia and India have begun repurposing abandoned coal mines to solar fields. According to a report by report by the Global Energy Monitor (GEM), this move is set to generate over 300 gigawatts (GW) of power, equivalent to roughly 15% of current global capacity. 

The report identified over 300 mines degraded since 2020, which corresponds to a landmass of over 2,089 square kilometers, nearly the size of Luxembourg. It has also been projected that by 2030, over 3000 square kilometers of coal mines will be abandoned, with the possibility that the amount of energy produced will surpass its current value.

How does this change affect us gong forward? 

Cheng Wu, a manager for GEM, said:

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.

This statement is an apt description of the benefits of the move made by these countries. Instead of leaving strips of wasteland, this project gives such a “dead zone” meaning. Simply put, it ensures land restoration. In addition, it provides a simultaneous surge in energy production and local employment opportunities for people.

Future of energy generation: what will humanity’s choice be?

Going forward, a divide between green energy enthusiasts and miners remains inevitable. One side claims energy should be harnessed at the peak to enhance human capabilities, while the other side insists on the gradual generation of energy, as long as it doesn’t affect nature. Only time will tell what the right faction is, but this poses a serious question to human existence on Earth moving forward, because, for now, no one knows the answer.

Humanity hasn’t forgotten how technology rode the wave of fossil energy in the 1800s. Nor do we seem to be ignoring where the bulk of our advancements emanated from. However, we must continue to evolve from harmful and deleterious energy sources and opt for a better, cleaner future. Just like how scientists have found a way for nuclear energy to go greeen.