New Delhi, Jun 28 (KNN) In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, the Central Railway (CR) has inaugurated India's first-ever floating solar plant for railways.

The 10 MWp capacity installation, situated in Igatpuri Lake, Nashik, marks a pivotal moment in the railway sector's commitment to renewable energy.

This innovative project is part of CR's ambitious plan to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2030. The Mumbai-based division has already made substantial progress, having previously installed 12.05 MWp of solar capacity on railway station rooftops and buildings.

The most recent addition of 4 MWp last year has yielded impressive results, with savings of Rs. 4.62 crores in the 2023-24 fiscal year and a reduction of 6,594.81 metric tons in carbon footprint.

CR's renewable energy portfolio currently includes 56.4 MW of wind energy and 61 MW of solar energy. The division has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for an additional 325 MW of round-the-clock solar and wind energy.

Plans are underway to incorporate another 180 MW of solar and 50 MW of wind power in the current financial year.

With a monthly power consumption of 236.92 million units for traction and 9.7 million units for non-traction work, CR is poised to make significant strides in green energy adoption.

Upon completion of these renewable energy projects, it is anticipated that 70 percent of CR's traction energy will be derived from green sources.

This pioneering floating solar plant not only showcases CR's commitment to environmental sustainability but also sets a new benchmark for innovative energy solutions in the Indian railway sector.

As the nation moves towards a greener future, such initiatives are crucial in reducing the carbon footprint of one of the world's largest railway networks.

(KNN Bureau)