Kothagudem: The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) on Wednesday commissioned a 300-KW solar power plant at its subsidiary, Andhra Pradesh Heavy Machinery & Engineering Limited (APHMEL), in Vijayawada, marking a significant step towards renewable energy adoption as the engineering firm entered its golden jubilee year. SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Buddhaprakash Jyoti virtually inaugurated the solar facility from Singareni Bhavan in Hyderabad. SCCL, he added, would continue to support the subsidiary in adopting advanced technologies and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. The newly commissioned solar power plant, built at a cost of Rs 1.24 crore, is expected to substantially reduce APHMEL’s annual electricity expenditure. The company currently spends around Rs 60 lakh a year on power for its manufacturing facility and residential colony.