This would power the traction network directly through solar power.
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) Central railway station in Chennai has become the first station to be powered completely by solar energy.
It has installed solar panels on the platform shelters of the station with a power capacity of 1.5MW.
This takes care of 100% of the station’s day energy requirement including power needs like lighting, fans, pumps and other electrical appliances.
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2030 Green Ambitions
Power panels have been installed at various locations and stations including the MMC complex, Tambaram, Mambalam, Katpati, and others.
The use of solar power will accelerate the government’s mission to convert the Indian Railways network into ‘Net Zero’ Carbon Emission Railway network before 2030.
It allots Green certifications to stations that are constructed with sustainable development goals in mind such as, energy conservation measures, use of renewable energy, Green House Gas emission reduction, etc.
Most Abundant Clean Energy Source
The current demand of the network being fulfilled by deployed solar power projects will make it the first transport organisation in India to be energy self-sufficient.
Thereby, the Indian Railways is on its way to becoming not only a green network but also ‘Atma Nirbhar’.
India is poised to take full advantage of the potential offered by solar energy which is the most abundant renewable energy source available here.
The Ministry states that it has a potential of 20 GW of solar power and is planning to utilise its vacant land parcels to set up land-based solar plants for its traction power requirement.
Solar Projects Already Deployed
Some of its solar power projects include a 3 MW solar plant established at the Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli.
Another is a 3 MW Rooftop Solar plant at Howrah Railway Station.
Yet another is a 1 MW Rooftop Solar at Katra Railway Station.
Nearly100 MWp rooftop solar systems have been commissioned on various railway stations and railway buildings already.
Undertaking A Unique Project
One solar power project of 1.7 MWp at Bina, Madhya Pradesh was commissioned in June 2020.
This would power the traction network directly through solar power.
The Ministry of Railways says that this is the first-of-its-kind project in the world commissioned by the national transporter in collaboration with BHEL.
It is also planning the installation of a one-of-the-kind solar plus storage hybrid pilot project at Dahod, Gujarat connected to the railway traction network.
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