North Central Railway generates 16% more energy using solar power

According to data from the North Central Railway, in comparison with 81 lakh units of energy generated utilising solar power in April-December 2020-21, 94 lakhs units of energy is generated with the solar power within the same period this year, there has been an improvement of 16% in the last year.

Since solar energy is a green energy source it is a huge step towards the goal of environmental protection. It has also made substantial savings in the revenue.

According to the official statement, a net revenue saving of Rs 3.82 crore has been achieved by NCR in April-December 2021 by utilisation of solar power.

As per reports, NCR comprises 11.03 MWp total installed capacity. Railway has installed 120 kWp. Whereas, 10,882.34 kWp by the Solar Power Developers Azure and ReNew, on a PPP basis.

Rooftop solar plants have been installed across various locations that include station buildings, workshops, training schools, General Manager's office, and Divisional Railway Manager’s office buildings.

NCR has approximately achieved 8,000 tonne of carbon footprint reduction using solar power in April-December.

Capacity Utilisation Factor (CUF) is an important parameter of the solar plants’ performance.

A 12.9% CUF has been displayed by the NCR solar panels which are appreciable.

An ambitious target for 2021-22 for generating solar energy to 1.3 crore units has been set by NCR. This will lead to a saving of Rs 5 crore.

NCR General Manager, Pramod Kumar wants to adopt an approach focused on increasing solar energy’s share in total non-traction electrical energy consumption.

The zonal railway has taken several steps for the promotion of solar energy along with the maintenance of the solar plants.

One of which includes monitoring solar energy generation from every plant. A solar diary has been introduced to SSEs for systematic documentation. Which will also focus on energy monitoring as well as other important data, in a structured manner.

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