Indian Railways is considering using nuclear power through captive units as part of its strategy to increase reliance on non-fossil fuel sources. Aiming to become a net-zero carbon emitter by 2030, the Railways expects to need 30,000 MW of renewable capacity by 2029-30 to achieve this target.
Alongside nuclear power, Indian Railways is already working on commissioning solar power units, wind-based power plants, and exploring hydel power options. In each of these areas, the Railways plans to establish captive power-generating units. Discussions with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) are expected to begin soon. For renewable energy projects, the Railways is looking at partnerships with organizations like the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), NTPC, and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Indian Railways, the largest consumer of electricity in India, spends nearly Rs 200 billion annually on powering its trains and offices. To meet future energy needs, the Railways is planning to procure renewable energy through various power procurement modes. The focus will be on developing a low-cost operating model to reduce expenses.
As part of its push towards renewable energy, Indian Railways commissioned about 147 MW of solar plants and 103 MW of wind power plants in 2023, with an additional 2,150 MW of renewable capacity tied up. Nearly 63,500 Route Kilometres (rkms), over 96% of the total broad-gauge network, have been electrified till FY24. Around 2,637 stations and service buildings are equipped with solar rooftop plants, generating a total of 177 MW.
Different zonal railways, such as Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and Central Railways, are actively rolling out initiatives to incorporate renewable energy as part of their greening efforts. The first train movements focusing on these green circuits will operate around the Nabinagar Thermal Power Plant, where some infrastructure is already in place.
Indian Railways previously explored using nuclear power. In 2013, when the peak power requirement was around 4,000 MW, initial discussions with NPCIL considered setting up 400 MW of nuclear power capacity. However, a proposed joint venture with the Department of Atomic Energy in 2017 did not materialize due to the Railways declining a partnership offer.