The Indian Railways, integral to the country’s transport landscape, has initiated a steadfast aim towards self-reliance in energy requirements. To realize this goal, it has identified and allocated vacant lands to execute Renewable Energy (RE) projects with a focus on solar energy usage for traction power needs.
Indian Railways’ Green Initiative
In the opening month of 2020, the Indian Railways unveiled its ambitious plan of complete electrification of its network by 2024, leading to an eco-friendly, net-zero emission establishment by 2030. This strategy introduces the innovative installation of solar projects along operational railway tracks, preventing encroachment while enhancing train speed and safety.
A significant contribution towards cost reduction materializes from injecting solar power directly into the traction network. The Railway Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL), instrumental in this initiative, is actively exploring opportunities to expand the use of solar energy on a mega scale.
Indian Railways Leading the Fight Against Climate Change
As a cornerstone of India’s commitment towards tackling climate change, these large-scale initiatives have positioned the Indian Railways as a key player. This transformative journey intends not only to fulfill the nation’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) targets but also to transition the railways towards a ‘Green mode’ of transportation and achieve ‘Atmanirbhar’, an energy self-sufficient transport organization.
Achievements and Milestones
Several benchmarks and developments stand testament to the progress in this mission. Notable among them are:
– A 3 MWp solar plant at the Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh.
– 100 MWp rooftop solar systems adorning various railway stations and buildings.
– The pioneering 1.7 MWp project near Bina Traction Sub Station, Bina in Madhya Pradesh, a world-first, connects directly to the Overhead Traction System (OTS) and will be commissioned soon.
This groundbreaking project, delivered in partnership with one of India’s Maharatna companies, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), has emerged as an innovation powerhouse. The unprecedented technology involved converts Direct Current (DC) to single-phase Alternating Current (AC) for supplying the Railway’s overhead traction system.
The project’s production capacity stands at approximately 25 lakh units of energy annually, resulting in significant cost savings of around Rs. 1.37 crore for the railways every year.
Overhead Traction System Explained
A traction system facilitates the propulsion of a vehicle by harnessing power from various sources such as diesel engines, steam engine drives, or electric motors. When this power supply is procured from an overhead line system, it is termed an Overhead Traction System.
Railway Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL)
Established on 16th August 2013 under the Companies Act 1956, REMCL operates as a joint venture company of the Ministry of Railways. Striving to harness potential opportunities within the energy sector, its objective includes chalking out avenues for green energy, power trading, and establishing renewable energy wind power projects.
