Indian Railways Moves Towards Nuclear Power for Net Zero
Indian Railways is taking significant steps to meet its energy needs by exploring the establishment of small nuclear power facilities. This initiative is part of its ambitious plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. The railways have initiated discussions with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and the power ministry to facilitate this transition, which is expected to enhance the efficiency of its energy consumption.
Strategic Partnerships for Energy Needs
To support its energy requirements, Indian Railways plans to collaborate with the DAE and the power ministry. The railways will provide the necessary land and ensure power consumption, while the DAE will assist in establishing the nuclear power plants through fuel supply agreements. A senior official stated, “Discussions have begun…This would help railways achieve net zero swiftly.” The new facilities are projected to help meet the railways’ traction requirement of 10 GW by the end of the decade.
In addition to nuclear power, Indian Railways aims to procure 3 GW of renewable energy, including hydropower, and an additional 3 GW from thermal and nuclear sources by 2030. The remaining 4 GW needed for traction will be sourced through agreements with power distribution companies. Officials have confirmed that land availability is not an issue, and site identification for the nuclear facilities has already commenced.
Financial Support and Historical Context
Public sector financing arms under Indian Railways will play a crucial role in funding these projects. The Indian Railways Finance Corporation (IRFC) is expected to be among the key entities responsible for securing the necessary financial resources. This initiative marks a renewed interest in nuclear power, which had previously stalled due to financial constraints during preliminary discussions in 2016.
The recent announcement of a Rs 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission in the February 1 budget has reignited focus on nuclear energy. This mission aims to implement at least five domestically developed Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033, facilitating a smoother transition to nuclear energy for major power consumers. Industry experts believe that the emphasis on SMRs will significantly aid in achieving environmental objectives.
Government Commitment to Nuclear Energy
In a recent statement to the Rajya Sabha, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that Indian Railways has been in contact with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the power ministry regarding the allocation of nuclear power for the railway system. He highlighted the increasing power demands of Indian Railways and the ongoing exploration of sourcing power from both existing and upcoming nuclear power plants to fulfill part of its traction power requirements. This strategic move towards nuclear energy underscores the Indian government’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy sources, aligning with broader environmental goals. As Indian Railways continues to explore innovative solutions to meet its energy needs, the establishment of nuclear power facilities could play a pivotal role in achieving its sustainability targets.
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