Indian Railways (IR) is the 4th largest railway network in the world and is on the path to becoming the largest electrified network (% percentage) in the next couple of years. The current electrification rate stands at around 97% and is expected to reach 100% by the end of FY 2025-26. Energy forms the 3rd largest expense for Indian Railways, only behind salaries and pensions, making it a critical area of interest in terms of cost and green benefits that can be reaped by optimizing it. Indian Railways consumed more than 25 billion units of electricity in the year 2022-23 and will cross 30 billion units in demand in the next couple of years.
Indian Railways Net Zero Target- Primary driver for green initiative
Indian Railways has set a target of becoming a Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030. This requires IR to put forward efforts in conserving energy on both fronts—on-track and off-track. On-track efforts involve railway electrification, regenerative braking systems, shifting to 3-phase systems, and implementing HOG technology (Head-On Generation). These methods play a critical role since the majority of consumption takes place on-track. Railways has incorporated the regenerative braking system in WAG 9, WAP 5, and WAP 7, which helps conserve energy by up to 20%, while three-phase EMU wagons have shown energy conservation of up to 30%. Head-On Generation (HOG) helps coaches power air conditioning systems and coach lighting through transmission lines, replacing diesel generators.
IR has made many efforts to improve efficiency in non-traction consumption. This involves energy used in manufacturing workshops, maintenance depots, colonies, station areas, and platforms. IR has been implementing various measures such as the SCADA system, LED lighting, solar rooftops, and energy audits to plan and improve energy efficiency.
Indian Railways' Sustainability Plans
Although Indian Railways is on the path to 100% electrification, it needs to focus on making energy sources green, as the majority of power is currently sourced from conventional sources. Indian Railways is tackling this problem by building its own renewable capacity as well as tying up with states and companies for sourcing renewable energy. As a result, IR has secured 4,260 MW of solar capacity and 3,427 MW of wind energy. IR’s own solar generation capacity has exceeded 2,000 MW, with projects involving solar rooftop buildings and dedicated solar parks.
Indian Railways is now exploring the inclusion of nuclear energy as one of its sources of green energy, considering India’s nuclear energy capacity is expected to triple by the end of 2032. Nuclear energy is a more reliable source of energy, and India will be one of the handful of nations in the world with railways running on nuclear energy. Indian Railways is exploring the usage of existing and future nuclear capacity with NPCIL and the Ministry of Power.