Daily Current Affairs : 22-January-2025

Indian Railways (IR) is making efforts to reduce its carbon emissions by incorporating renewable energy sources, such as wind turbines, into its operations. This is part of their ambitious plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2030. One of their pilot projects involves the installation of mini wind turbines along the tracks, which harness the wind generated by passing trains to produce electricity.

Pilot Project: Wind Turbines Along Railway Tracks

Western Railway has already installed mini vertical-axis wind turbines that generate between 1 to 10 kW of electricity. These turbines are designed to capture the wind energy created by the motion of trains moving along the tracks. This initiative can help power various railway operations, such as lighting and signaling systems, thus reducing reliance on traditional, non-renewable energy sources.

Possible Challenges

While the idea of using wind turbines is promising, several challenges need to be addressed:

  • Logistics: Installing and maintaining the turbines could be difficult, especially in urban areas where space is limited.
  • Safety: There are concerns that if a turbine fails, it could pose a risk to both the trains and passengers.
  • Wind Conditions: Wind speeds along railway corridors might not always be suitable for the turbines to generate sufficient power.
  • Space Constraints: Finding enough space to install the turbines along tracks might be a challenge.
  • Economic Viability: The high cost of installation and ongoing maintenance could make the project economically challenging.
Indian Railways’ Progress in Renewable Energy

Indian Railways has already made significant strides in using renewable energy. By November 2024, IR had successfully commissioned:

  • 487 MW of solar power
  • 103 MW of wind power
  • 100 MW of Renewable Energy Round-the-Clock (RTC)

Additionally, IR plans to install a total of 2,014 MW of renewable energy capacity in the future. This progress supports its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, marking a major shift toward sustainability in the country’s transportation sector.

Important Points:
  • Indian Railways aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
  • A pilot project by Western Railway installs mini vertical-axis wind turbines generating 1-10 kW of electricity from wind created by passing trains.
  • Challenges include:
    • Complex logistics for installation and maintenance, especially in urban areas.
    • Safety concerns regarding turbine failures that could risk trains and passengers.
    • Potentially unsuitable wind conditions along some railway corridors.
    • Space constraints for installing turbines along tracks.
    • High costs for installation and maintenance.
  • By November 2024, Indian Railways had commissioned:
    • 487 MW of solar power.
    • 103 MW of wind power.
    • 100 MW of Renewable Energy Round-the-Clock (RTC).
  • Indian Railways plans to install 2,014 MW of renewable energy capacity to meet its 2030 carbon-neutral goal.
Why In News

Indian Railways (IR) is exploring the use of wind turbines along railway tracks as part of its ambitious plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, aiming to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and promote sustainable operations across the railway network.

MCQs about Indian Railways’ Wind Turbine Initiative for Clean Energy
  1. What is the primary goal of Indian Railways (IR) by 2030?
    A. To install solar panels along railway tracks
    B. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions
    C. To replace all trains with electric ones
    D. To increase the number of trains on the tracks
    Correct Answer: B. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions
    Explanation: Indian Railways aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 as part of its sustainability efforts, including the use of renewable energy like wind and solar power.
  2. What is the main function of the mini vertical-axis wind turbines installed by Western Railway?
    A. To provide power for train engines
    B. To generate electricity from the wind created by passing trains
    C. To monitor train speed
    D. To regulate the temperature inside the trains
    Correct Answer: B. To generate electricity from the wind created by passing trains
    Explanation: The mini vertical-axis wind turbines are designed to harness the wind created by passing trains, generating 1-10 kW of electricity to power railway operations.
  3. Which of the following is NOT a challenge faced by Indian Railways in implementing wind turbines along tracks?
    A. High installation and maintenance costs
    B. Safety risks related to turbine failures
    C. Suitable wind conditions along railway corridors
    D. Excessive space available for turbine installation
    Correct Answer: D. Excessive space available for turbine installation
    Explanation: One of the challenges Indian Railways faces is space constraints along railway tracks, making it difficult to find enough room for turbine installation.
  4. How much renewable energy capacity does Indian Railways plan to install by 2030?
    A. 500 MW
    B. 1,000 MW
    C. 2,014 MW
    D. 5,000 MW
    Correct Answer: C. 2,014 MW
    Explanation: Indian Railways plans to install 2,014 MW of renewable energy capacity as part of its efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

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