Railways ups renewable energy capacity additions as it eyes Net-Zero emissions by 2030

Indian Railways, as part of its Net Zero carbon emission plans by 2030, has installed 756 MW – around 8 per cent of its projected traction requirement – of renewable power capacities through sources that include solar–rooftop and land, wind and hybrid arrangements.

Railways has projected a traction requirement (for running engines) of 10,000 MW by 2030.

The transporter has already tied up 1,500 MW of renewable energy.

In addition, it will be setting up its own solar systems. It has till February secured commitments for 4,260 MW of installed solar capacity and 3,427 MW of installed wind capacity to meet its energy need.

India’s transport sector’s greenhouse gas emissions are 12 per cent, out of which 4 per cent contribution is from the railway industry, sources said. 

Other RE sources

Other sources, such as hydro-power and nuclear power are being explored too. Railways is also in talks with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and NTPC Ltd for supply or earmarking of 1,500 MW of nuclear power, if possible.

“Talks are on for nuclear power usage, but nothing has been finalised. We are looking for round-the-clock supplies and power purchase agreements across distributors to secure renewable power. Some thermal power usage will continue,” an official told businessline.

Previous discussions on usage of nuclear power in train traction have not worked out primarily on account of high per unit charges, sources said.

Commissioned Capacity

As per a response by Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in the Lok Sabha, commissioned renewable power capacities as of February 2025 included 553 MW of solar power (rooftop and land), 103 MW of wind power and 100 MW of round-the-clock supplies (hybrid sources including solar and wind).

Railways is also securing solar power through PPA arrangements with developers.

Earlier this year, it signed a 170 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Madhya Pradesh government – with power being procured at a cost of ₹2.15/kWh (one of the cheapest rates). The MP government through Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Power Ltd (RUMSL), will be supplying solar power.

“About 98 per cent of the total broad gauge network of the Railways has been electrified,” Vaishnaw said in the Parliament adding that 45,922 km was electrified between 2014 and February 2025. Previous electrification of track was 21,801 km.

Installed Solar Capacity

As per Railway officials, the national transporter has tied up with 12-odd sources for securing installed solar power.

This include 203 MW on installed capacity at rooftop of stations and railway service buildings, 50 MW from Bhilai Solar Power plant; another 7 MW across Modern Coach Factory, Diwana and Bina facilities; 400 MW from RUMSL in MP; 800 MW from Bundelkhand Solar Urban Ltd (BSUL); 500 MW from IRCON’s Karnataka facility; 100 MW from Rajasthan’s RERTC; and 2200 MW across other RERTC – NTPC tie-ups in Rajasthan.