The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is making significant strides in promoting solar-powered transit along the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and significantly cut carbon emissions, positioning the project as a leader in green transit initiatives.
Reaching a Milestone in Solar Power Generation
NCRTC has recently achieved a major milestone by generating three megawatts peak (MWp) of solar power in-house. This achievement translates into an annual reduction of approximately 3,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The installation of solar power plants at various stations and substations along the RRTS corridor is a crucial part of NCRTC’s strategy to align with its environmental stewardship goals.
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The corporation's ambitious target of 11 MW of solar power capacity is a significant step towards a greener future. This achievement is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 11,500 tonnes annually.
The solar power plants at Sahibabad and Guldhar RRTS stations, each boasting a 729 kWp capacity, are already operational. Other operational solar power plants include Duhai RRTS station (736 kWp), Duhai Depot (585 kWp), and Duhai Depot Station (108 kWp). Additionally, the Murad Nagar and Ghaziabad Receiving Substations have capacities of 43 kWp and 20 kWp, respectively.
The Future of Solar-Powered Transit
NCRTC’s solar initiative is part of a broader trend within the transportation sector where solar energy is increasingly integral to green infrastructure. As the global community moves towards more sustainable energy solutions, the solar-powered transit systems are poised to make a significant positive impact on the environment.
In addition to ongoing installations, NCRTC has introduced a cloud-based application to monitor real-time energy generation across its network. Each solar power plant is equipped with over 1,600 high-efficiency solar panels, thus collectively generating more than 10 lakh units of electricity annually per station. These efforts not only contribute to substantial electricity savings but also align with India's growing solar capacity.
The solar capacity has expanded from 1.60 GW in 2013 to 63.15 GW by 2022. As of May 2024, the country's installed solar energy capacity has reached 84.27 GW, underscoring the vast potential of solar energy in India.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Solar-powered transit systems offer numerous ecological and economic benefits. For example, solar lighting eliminates the need for utility connections, reducing both operating costs and installation expenses. Solar lights, typically housed in self-contained units with high-efficiency LED bulbs, have long lifespans and low maintenance costs. The absence of complex wiring systems further minimizes installation costs, making solar lighting an economically viable option for public infrastructure.
Moreover, solar-powered transit systems contribute to significant emissions reductions, economic savings, and lower maintenance costs compared to fossil-fuel-powered alternatives. For example, a sustainable public-private partnership (PPP) model for bus transit in Ahmedabad, which relies on solar and electric power, demonstrates how batteries can be charged through solar panels installed at bus stops. This model is a prime example of how clean, abundant solar energy can power modern transit systems.
NCRTC's solar power program is part of a larger movement towards renewable energy in transportation infrastructure. As the global installed solar photovoltaic capacity continues to grow, public transit systems like those being developed by NCRTC will play a crucial role in driving society towards a more sustainable future. By leading the charge in solar-powered transit, NCRTC is not only transforming the physical infrastructure of transportation but also contributing to a greener and more environmentally conscious world.
NCRTC's initiative to integrate solar power into the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor marks a significant advancement in sustainable transportation. As the corporation works towards its ambitious goals, it sets a powerful example for other regions and sectors to follow. This move towards renewable energy in transit is not just about reducing emissions today; it's about setting the stage for a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.