Indian Railways (IR) has set an ambitious target of becoming a net zero carbon emitter by 2030. The railway system has taken several initiatives to reduce its carbon emissions, including the use of energy-efficient technologies, such as switching over to the production of three-phase electric locomotives with regenerative features, using head-on generation (HOG) technology, LED lights in buildings and coaches, star-rated appliances, and afforestation.
To achieve the net-zero carbon emission target, IR has identified key strategies, including procurement of power through renewable energy sources, shifting from diesel to electric traction, promoting energy efficiency, and afforestation.
According to the projected energy demand of Indian Railways in 2029-30, it is expected to be about 8,200 Mega Watt (MW). The expected requirement of renewable capacity by 2029-30 would be about 30,000 MW. As of February 2023, about 147 MW of solar plants (both on Rooftops and on land) and about 103 MW of Wind power plants have been commissioned. Further, about 2150 MW of renewable capacity has also been tied up.
IR has planned to progressively procure renewable energy from different power procurement modes for its future energy requirements. The Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, shared this information in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha
The Indian Railways’ efforts to become a net zero carbon emitter are commendable and set an excellent example for other industries to follow. It is hoped that these efforts will help mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce India’s carbon footprint.