Central Zone Installs Indian Railways' First Floating Solar Plant

The Central Railway has successfully installed a floating solar plant with a capacity of 10 MWp in Igatpuri Lake, located in the Western Ghats. This pioneering initiative marks the first of its kind by the Indian Railways, aimed at harnessing renewable energy sources to contribute towards a greener Earth, according to senior railway officials.

In addition to the floating solar plant, the Central Railway has been proactive in achieving its goal of zero carbon emissions by 2030. It has already commissioned 12.05 MWp of solar plants using rooftop spaces on railway stations and buildings. These initiatives have resulted in substantial savings, with Rs 4.62 crore saved in 2023-24 and a reduction of 6,594.81 metric tonnes in carbon footprints.

"A further 7 MWp solar plant is planned for installation this year," a senior Central Railway official stated, emphasizing the railway's commitment to expanding renewable energy initiatives. Currently, the Central Railway taps into 56.4 MW of wind energy and 61 MW of solar energy, with agreements in place for an additional 325 MW of solar and wind energy on a round-the-clock basis. Moreover, plans include adding 180 MW of solar and 50 MW of wind power during the current financial year.

"These efforts are equivalent to the environmental benefit of saving 2.5 lakh trees," highlighted another senior railway official, underscoring the environmental impact of the railway's sustainability measures.

The Central Railway's monthly power consumption includes 236.92 million units for traction work and 9.7 million units for non-traction work. With the commissioning of these renewable energy sources, it is expected that 70 percent of traction energy will come from green sources.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has recognized the Central Railway's efforts by awarding "Shunya-Plus" labels to five buildings and "Shunya" labels to two buildings. These labels denote energy-efficient buildings and highlight the railway's commitment to environmental conservation through initiatives like Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) and Net Positive Energy Buildings (NPEBs).

"This recognition underscores our dedication to promoting energy-efficient practices and advancing towards net-zero or net-positive energy buildings," the official concluded, emphasizing the railway's ongoing efforts in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

ET