Delhi Metro To Source 500 Million Units Of Renewable Energy, Boosting Clean Power To Over 60%

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced a significant step to boost its use of renewable energy by inviting bids for the supply of 500 Million Units (MUs) of renewable energy annually. This initiative aligns with DMRC’s ongoing commitment to providing clean and green public transport to commuters in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Currently, DMRC sources around 350 MUs of power each year from the Rewa Solar Park and generates an additional 40 MUs annually from rooftop solar installations on stations, depots, and staff colonies. At present, renewable energy contributes about 33 percent of DMRC’s total power consumption during operational hours and nearly 65 percent during daytime metro operations. With the new project, DMRC aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its portfolio to more than 60 percent, including the additional demand from Phase-IV network expansion.

The bids are being invited to select a ‘Solar Power Developer’ who will establish a grid-connected captive generating plant with an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) anywhere in India. The developer will supply 500 MUs of renewable energy each year to DMRC. This effort not only supports the metro’s sustainable operations but also contributes to India’s broader transition towards cleaner and more resilient energy sources.

The project has a stipulated completion period of 15 months from the date of award, and the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will be valid for 25 years. The bid process will follow approved government norms to ensure transparency and adherence to regulatory standards.

Through this initiative, DMRC is set to become the first metro rail project in India to source over 60 percent of its total energy requirements from renewable sources. The move also supports the Government of India’s climate action strategy, “Panchamrit,” which was announced at COP 26 and comprises five climate-related goals aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to low-carbon energy systems.

This step reinforces DMRC’s role as a pioneer in sustainable urban transport and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. By integrating large-scale renewable energy and storage solutions, the metro network not only ensures reliable and green operations but also sets a benchmark for other public transport systems in India looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Overall, the initiative highlights DMRC’s focus on sustainability and its proactive approach in contributing to India’s clean energy goals while continuing to provide efficient metro services to millions of daily commuters.