How Central Railway Will Help India Cut Carbon Emissions to Zero by 2030
To accelerate the transition to green power, Indian Railways has designated the Central Railway as the model agency in charge of signing an agreement to procure wind energy for the entire railway network across the country.
A major step in the Indian Railways’ efforts to become a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030. Central Railway is currently finalizing its Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NREL. The factory is expected to be operational within the next two years.
According to an official notice, this historic deal is the first of its type for Indian Railways and represents a big step towards the company’s objective of being a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030.
In the state of Maharashtra, Indian Railways has a peak traction power need of roughly 450 MW, which includes traction substations of Central Railway (CR), Western Railway (WR), South Central Railway (SCR), Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), and South East Central Railway (SECR).
A significant percentage of this power requirement is being met by thermal power, with CR committed to 300 MW. The remaining electricity is generated by a 56 MW wind farm and acquired through the Indian Energy Exchange.
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd (NREL) has been granted a contract by Indian Railways for the installation of Grid-Connected Renewable Energy (RE) Power Projects. This plan seeks to offer 500 MW of continuous renewable power to railways for a period of 25 years at a cost of Rs. 4.12 per unit.
“Out of the 500 MW, 205 MW of power has been allocated for railway traction supply in Maharashtra, while the remaining power will be supplied to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The project will consist of both solar and wind components. Solar PV Component of 650 MW is planned to be set up at Khavda, Kutch, Gujrat and Wind Power Component of 1050 MW, 350 MW each is planned at Bhuj- Gujrat, Dwarka- Gujrat and Koppal – Karnataka,” the statement said.
Green Infra Wind Energy Ltd. of Karnataka was awarded a contract for 50 MW of wind power, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Ltd (RUMS) for 61 MW of solar power, and IRCON Renewable Power Ltd (IRPL) for 180 MW of solar power.
These projects are scheduled to be completed within the next two years. However, because the demand for power is likely to rise as a result of large-scale electrification and the addition of electrified lines via doubling and new line improvements, a 24-hour power supply is required.
Indian Railways operates one of the world’s largest train networks, covering over 67,000 kilometers and linking every part of the country. Indian Railways is at the forefront of the country’s efforts to tackle climate change by transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources through these programs.