The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has invited bids to deliver 500 million units of renewable energy per year, marking a significant step towards sustainable metro operations. The organisation intends to select a Solar Power Developer to build a grid-connected captive generating plant equipped with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) anywhere in India. This project will supply power to the DMRC network in Delhi and the National Capital Region.
According to DMRC, the effort aims to enhance renewable energy usage. Currently, renewable sources account for 33% of DMRC’s total power consumption and approximately 65% during daytime operations. The goal is to exceed 60%, which includes the power requirements for the Phase-IV expansion.
DMRC now purchases approximately 350 million units from Rewa Solar Park and produces an additional 40 million units via rooftop installations at stations and depots. The new project will take 15 months to complete and will be covered by a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement. Officials stated that this endeavour is consistent with India’s “Panchamrit” goals declared at COP26 and will make DMRC the first metro network in India to meet more than 60% of its power needs from renewable sources.
