Indian Railways to become Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030

Tags: National National News

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav recently said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Railways is working on a mission mode to become the largest green railway in the world and towards becoming a "net zero carbon emitter" by 2030.

An overview of the news

• Indian Railways has taken several initiatives to reduce carbon emissions which include the use of energy efficient technologies.

• Indian Railways is starting production of three phase electric locomotives with regenerative features, use of Head on Generation (HOG) technology, use of LED lights in buildings and coaches, use of star rated equipment.

• In addition, key strategies identified to achieve the net zero carbon emission target are procurement of electricity through renewable energy sources, transition from diesel to electric traction, promotion of energy efficiency, and afforestation. 

The projected energy demand of Indian Railways

• The estimated energy demand of Indian Railways is expected to be around 8,200 Megawatts (MW) in 2029-30.

• To achieve net zero carbon emissions, the expected requirement of renewable capacity by 2029-30 would be around 30,000 MW.

• By February 2023, about 147 MW of solar plants and about 103 MW of wind power plants have been commissioned.

• In addition, about 2150 MW of renewable capacity has also been tied up.

• Indian Railways plans to progressively procure renewable energy through various power purchase modes for its future energy requirements.

Contribution of railways towards combating Climate Change

• Indian Railways has adopted an integrated approach to green transport to increase the total share of Indian Railways in land based freight traffic from the present 36 per cent to 45 per cent by 2030.

• Indian Railways is setting up Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) across the country. 

• Its first phase is estimated to reduce emissions by about 457 million tonnes over a period of 30 years.

• The traction diesel fuel will use 5 percent blending of biofuels.

• Water use efficiency will be improved by 20 percent by 2030.

• Plantation will be done to increase carbon absorption, there will be emphasis on waste management and pollution control.

• The Minister of Railways - Ashwini Vaishnaw