Indian Railways Plans To Set Up Small Nuclear Plants To Achieve Net-Zero By 2030

New Delhi, Mar 19 (KNN) The Indian Railways has commenced consultations with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the Ministry of Power regarding the establishment of small nuclear power facilities to address its energy requirements. 

This strategic initiative aligns with the national transporter's objective to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Under the proposed arrangement, the Indian Railways will provide land and guarantee power consumption, while the DAE and the Ministry of Power will facilitate plant establishment and secure fuel supply agreements. 

"Discussions have begun…This would help railways achieve net zero swiftly," a senior official informed ET. 

These facilities are expected to assist the national transporter in meeting its projected 10 GW traction requirement by the end of the decade.

The Indian Railways plans to procure 3 GW of renewable energy, including hydropower, alongside 3 GW of thermal and nuclear power by 2030. 

The remaining 4 GW required for traction operations will be secured through arrangements with power distribution companies. 

According to the official, land availability does not present a challenge for the railways, and the process of site identification has already commenced.

Financial support for these projects will be provided by public sector financing arms under the Indian Railways. The Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC) is anticipated to be among the entities responsible for securing funding for these initiatives.

This is not the first time the Indian Railways has explored nuclear power options. In 2016, preliminary discussions were held regarding a collaborative venture for nuclear power plant establishment. 

However, the initiative did not progress due to financial constraints. 

Nuclear power has recently gained renewed attention following the announcement of a Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission in the February 1 budget.

The Nuclear Energy Mission aims to implement a minimum of five domestically developed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. 

The administration is focused on transitioning major power consumers to nuclear energy to accelerate the nation's environmental objectives. 

In response to an inquiry last week, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that the railways had contacted the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Ministry of Power regarding nuclear power allocation for the railway system. 

He also acknowledged the steadily increasing power demands of the Indian Railways. 

"Railways has been exploring the option of sourcing power from existing as well as upcoming nuclear power plants to meet part of its traction power requirement," Vaishnaw stated.

(KNN Bureau)