For the first time in the country, the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has launched a groundbreaking pilot project called “Solar on Track.” Under this revolutionary initiative, solar panels have been installed directly above the tracks of the Namo Bharat train at the Duhai depot. This historic move will make excellent use of unused railway space, accelerating the Namo Bharat system’s progress towards achieving net-zero energy. Learn how this unique project is setting India on a new path in the field of clean energy.
Solar on Track
NCRTC’s “Solar on Track” project is a major milestone in the field of renewable energy. Under this pilot project, 28 solar panels, each with a peak capacity of 550 watts, have been installed over a 70-meter-long span on the pit wheel track at the Duhai depot.
Energy Production and Environmental Benefits
This solar power plant has a total capacity of 15.4 kilowatts peak.
This plant will generate approximately 17,500 kilowatts of electricity annually.
This will result in an unprecedented reduction of approximately 16 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
NCRTC has clearly stated that this initiative will not only effectively utilize unused track space but will also significantly contribute to the Namo Bharat system’s transition to net-zero energy. The corporation has an ambitious target of meeting 70% of its total energy needs from renewable sources.
Energy Generation Through Other Methods
NCRTC is adopting several modern technologies beyond solar energy to generate clean energy. Under its solar policy, NCRTC is actively pursuing a plan to generate 15 MW peak in-house solar power on the rooftops of stations, depots, and buildings. Of this, 5.5 MW has already been generated.
Regenerative Braking System
Along the Namo Bharat Corridor, cutting-edge technologies such as regenerative braking systems are also being implemented. This system converts the kinetic energy generated during train braking back into electrical energy, resulting in energy savings. Furthermore, environmentally friendly initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment plants are also being implemented on a large scale.
A Historic Step Towards Clean Transportation
NCRTC’s ‘Solar on Track’ initiative is in line with the crucial objectives of the National Solar Mission. It is considered a historic step towards promoting clean, green, and sustainable transportation across the country, including Delhi-NCR. NCRTC emphasizes that this initiative is not only an innovation in clean energy production but also a strong step towards realizing the vision of ‘sustainable urban transportation.’