Railways, one of the biggest consumers of energy, is moving towards harnessing green power with a 26 MW windmill proposed to be built in Rajasthan.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

The project, the biggest renewable energy initiative by the national transporter, is to be set up in Jaisalmer at a cost of Rs150 crore and targeted to be completed in about nine months. "We have to explore new and renewable sources of energy for our energy basket," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Friday while announcing the project.

Prabhu pointed out that the Railways is one of the biggest consumers of energy and therefore, using even a small percentage of green energy by the national transporter, will make a substantial difference.

"Sustainability of environment is one of the biggest challenges being experienced by human being and the entire globe is struggling to find its solution. Harnessing green energy is one of the steps forward to address this challenge," Prabhu said.

Prabhu was speaking while launching the windmill farm meant for generating electricity for the captive consumption of railways. It is being set-up by Railway Renewable Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL), a joint venture of Railways and it's subsidiary RITES. The contract for this project was awarded by REMCL to INOX Wind Limited.

Prabhu said there is a need to change the energy mix so that long term dependence on fossil fuel can be reduced. Prabhu asked the Railways to undertake a comprehensive and structured energy audit so as to ensure the best and optimal utilisation of energy and also identify the energy saving potential.