Delhi Metro Aims to Power 60% of Operations from Renewable Energy

Strategic Insights -

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited bids for a massive renewable energy supply project, aiming to power 60% of its operations from clean sources. Currently, the metro meets 33% of its electricity demand from renewable sources, mainly from the Rewa Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh and rooftop solar installations. With the new initiative, DMRC plans to establish a grid-connected captive generating plant with a battery energy storage system, sourced from a solar power developer, to supply 500 million units of renewable energy annually.

Key Takeaways:

  • DMRC plans to power 60% of its operations from renewable energy, a significant increase from the current 33% share.
  • The metro currently procures 350 million units of renewable energy annually from the Rewa Solar Park and generates 40 million units through rooftop solar installations.
  • The new project aims to cover not only the existing network but also the upcoming Phase-IV expansion.
  • The initiative will enable DMRC to source more than half of its total energy from clean sources, making it the first Metro system in the country to achieve this milestone.
  • The project is aligned with DMRC's efforts to promote sustainable and low-carbon urban transport and supports India's 'Panchamrit' climate action commitments.
  • The project will have a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) and is expected to be completed within 15 months of the award.

Statistics:

  • 33%: Current share of renewable energy in Delhi Metro's overall power mix.
  • 500 million units: Annual renewable energy supply to power DMRC operations.
  • 350 million units: Renewable energy procured annually from the Rewa Solar Park in Madhya Pradesh.
  • 40 million units: Renewable energy generated through rooftop solar installations.
  • 60%: Target share of renewable energy in DMRC's overall power mix.
  • 25 years: Duration of the proposed power purchase agreement (PPA).
  • 15 months: Expected completion period for the project after award.

Sources:

  • Business Standard
  • DMRC official statement, cited in Business Standard
  • KNN (Knowledge & News Network) article, published with permission from HT Digital Content Services