HUBBALLI: South Western Railway’s Hubballi division is gradually reducing its reliance on conventional sources of electricity by promoting solar energy in its division and throughout the zone.
So far, SWR has installed 4656.60 kWp solar panels on service buildings and major stations. SWR generated 46.11 lakh units of solar electricity during the previous fiscal year, saving Rs 1.96 crore. Solar energy provided 70% of the electricity required by SSS Hubballi station during 2021-22.
Aneesh Hegde, CPRO, SWR, Hubballi, said, “We have taken several measures to harness solar energy. We have installed solar panels at stations, service buildings, LC gates, and other locations for energy conservation. This will not only help meet the power needs of all stations, but it will also save the Railways money.”
He added: “We have installed solar panels in Hubballi service buildings-Zonal Headquarters Rail Soudha, Divisional Railway Manager’s Office, Railway Hospital, the workshops-1045 kWp capacity; EMD Shed (640 KWp) have also been provided with solar roof top plants.”
“83% of energy requirement of Hubballi workshop (with second highest energy consumption in SWR of 13.51 Lakh Units) is being met from solar energy. 60% of energy requirement of Hubballi EMD shed with 1.13 lakh unit annual consumption is being met from solar power. In the year 2021-22, 250 kWp solar panels installed at Rail Soudha have generated 2.75 lakh units of energy resulting in a saving of Rs 15.51 lakh. 320 kWp solar panels installed at Hubballi Divisional Railway Manager’s Office has generated 84,294 units of electricity in the last financial year resulting in a saving of Rs. 2.80 lakh.”
In the same period, 1045kWp solar panels installed at Hubballi workshop generated 11.21 lakh units of solar energy which contributed Rs.47.28 lakh as savings. In 2021-22, solar panels at SSS Hubballi station generated 3.38 Lakh units of energy. Besides, 295 level crossing gates are provided with solar panels.
“We have converted all conventional light fittings into LEDs in Hubballi station. We are still depending on electricity for our machines and locomotives and trying our best to reduce our dependence on electricity as much as possible,” he said
Sanjeev Kishore, general manager, said SWR is planning to install solar panels at 26 stations and is working to achieve the Railways’ mission of ‘Net Zero Carbon Emission’ by 2030.
Source: PTI
