REMC Ltd's Ambitious Roadmap to Decarbonize Indian Railways by 2030
- Muhammad Ahmad
- Dec 12, 2024
- 2 min read
Indian Railways is rapidly advancing toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 due to renewable energy initiatives
REMC Ltd is spearheading renewable energy adoption for Indian Railways
REMC Ltd has established a state-of-the-art National Energy Management Centre and facilitated renewable energy procurement.
Over 5,000 MW of renewable energy capacity is under development to power Indian Railways' green transformation.
Solar and wind power initiatives are expected to save Indian Railways billions annually while reducing emissions.
Indian Railways, in partnership with REMC Ltd., has launched a series of initiatives to decarbonize its operations. REMC Ltd., a joint venture between RITES Ltd. (51%) and Indian Railways (49%), is tasked with implementing renewable energy projects and managing energy procurement.
The company has successfully integrated over 170 MW of rooftop solar power, 53.7 MW of ground-mounted solar projects, and 93 MW of wind power. Among its notable achievements is commissioning a 1.7 MW ground-mounted solar power plant as a Proof of Concept (POC) near Bina and a 50 MW solar plant in Bhilai, providing renewable energy directly to the railway's traction system.
This transformation is crucial for Indian Railways, as it seeks to become the world’s largest green railway network and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. With a significant portion of India’s energy consumption attributed to railways, transitioning to renewable energy helps mitigate environmental impact while providing substantial cost savings. In 2022-23 alone, REMC facilitated 5378 MUs of energy procurement through energy exchanges, reducing electricity expenses and carbon emissions.
Technical Focus
India's renewable energy market is booming and driven by government initiatives and favorable policies. India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, with Indian Railways committing to sourcing 30 GW of renewable energy for its operations. Policies such as transmission charge waivers for renewable energy and competitive tariffs for solar and wind projects make this transition economically viable. REMC Ltd. is pivotal in implementing projects tailored to Indian Railways' unique energy needs.
REMC Ltd. has implemented innovative projects to support Indian Railways' green goals. For instance, the Bhilai solar plant generates approximately 102 MUs annually, saving ₹20 crore while avoiding 2.8 thousand tons of CO2 emissions. Similarly, the Bina solar plant feeds power directly into the traction system, paving the way for similar installations nationwide. "These projects underscore Indian Railways' commitment to sustainable growth and energy efficiency," a senior REMC official noted.
The company has also expanded into wind energy, with 93 MW of projects already commissioned, such as the 26 MW plant in Jaisalmer. These plants generate millions of renewable energy annually, significantly reducing the railway's carbon footprint. Furthermore, REMC facilitates power procurement across 13 states under open access, leveraging economies of scale to reduce energy costs.
Through these initiatives, Indian Railways is reducing its operational costs and setting a benchmark in sustainable infrastructure. With plans to source renewable energy from projects like the Rewa Solar Park and others, the railway network is well-positioned to achieve its net-zero carbon goals by 2030.